Ask most baseball coaches what he or she hopes for when it comes to team strengths and pitching and defense will always be near the top of the list. The Dexter baseball team heads into the new season with plenty of optimism.
Why?
You guessed it – pitching and defense.
“We have a really solid group of upper classmen, specifically our seniors,” says Dexter Coach Mike Penn. “These guys have played a lot of baseball together and they enjoy being around each other.”
Team chemistry also is important and the Dreads have the lineup where players can pick each other up either during the course of a game or the season.
“We believe we will have a good year,” Penn said. “Ultimately our season will be determined by some newer players filling some big shoes of the players we just graduated. Our senior class last year had three players move on to the collegiate level and that isn’t easy to replace.”
Penn, now in his fifth year with the program, helped lead Dexter to a 22-9 record last year. The Dreads tied for first in the SEC last year.
At the top of the lineup for returning players is David Kreske.
“David is one of our leaders,” Penn says. “This will be his third year on varsity and he has grown into an excellent player for us. He adds versatility being able to play multiple positions and was recognized as an ALL SEC and All District player last year.”
Another top returning player is Alex Mills, who also earned ALL-SEC honors last year. “Alex brings energy to everything he does in life and that is evident on the field,” Penn says. “He truly is one of our catalysts and we go as he goes. We look for him to have another strong season.”
The Dreadnaughts also have several new players who could add plenty of production to the lineup.
Evan Krolewski brings his versatility (can play catcher, infield and outfield) and athleticism to the Dreads.
“He is a high upside sophomore who is really athletic and has a bright future,” Penn said. “Evan is a three sport athlete who, similar to Kreske, can play multiple positions. His biggest asset, however, is his bat. Evan adds power in our lineup that we desperately need and should be a fixture in the middle of our order.”
Andy Durand, who performed at a high level in both football and basketball, brings his athletic ability including great speed to the diamond this spring.
Dexter opens the season at home against Skyline on Wednesday.
