RallyNorth.net

North Reading Baseball Preview

2007 record: 18-6, lost in Division 3 North final

Returning starters (5): Kevin Singer, Jr., 1B; Darren Hartwell, Jr., CF; Zach Hastings, Sr., RF; Brian O'Neil, Sr., P/LF; Kevin O'Leary, Sr., P

Returning lettermen: Matt Baretto, Jr., 2B/DH

Newcomers: Rick Chrisos, Sr., Inf; Mark Bokuniewicz, Sr., Inf; Tim McAuliffe, Sr., C; Matt Prince, Sr., C; Ty Burgess, Sr., Inf; Jeff Cady, Jr., 1B; Matt Calos, Jr., OF/P

Candidates in all grades: 50

Captains: Zach Hastings

Returning leaders: Zach Hastings, .382, 26 runs, 16 RBIs; Darren Hartwell, .317 avg.; Brian O'Neil, .322 avg., 22 runs, 13 RBIs, 9-2 record, 71 Ks, 2.36 ERA; Kevin Singer, .256 avg., 11 RBIs; Kevin O'Leary, 4-1, 37 Ks, 2.58 ERA

Returning honorees: Zach Hastings, All-CAL; Brian O'Neil, Eagle-Tribune honorable mention

Assistants: Mike Leyden, JV; Chris Sullivan, Frosh.

Opener: April 8 vs. Trinity Catholic, 3:45 p.m.

Odds and ends: The Hornets return off back-to-back 18-win seasons and trips to the Division 3 North finals. ... North Reading struggled at the plate, hitting just over .280 a year ago. ... Brian O'Neil (Bryant) and Kevin O'Leary (Assumption) will both play college ball next year. ... Frank Carey expects big things from junior Darren Hartwell.

Coach Frank Carey (41st year, 621-235): "You obviously get excited, but I'm still trying to get my team ready, still trying to put the pieces together. Pitching will most definitely be the strength of the team without question. You've got two great pitchers (Brian O'Neil, Kevin O'Leary."