Baseball Alumni Newsletter – Winter 2009
2008 MASCAC CHAMPS – NCAA TOURNAMENT
Dedication: The spring season is being dedicated to Kevin Lyons ‟65 who passed away in November. The hope is
to name the new baseball field after him. Not only was Kevin named the greatest player of the 20th century, he
was an even better person. No one did more for the college and its baseball team. First in the Hall of Fame, he
was also the first to lend a hand. WSC retied his #2 jersey in 1997, and he was named the 2002 Hickey Award
winner. Son Chris plans to continue the annual dinner at the Press Box before the team heads to Fla. Many events
were started by Kevin: Golf Tournament, Alumni Game, and the reunion of the 1964-65 NESCAC Title Teams.
His answer was always the same, “WIN.”
State House: The 2008 MASCAC Champs are scheduled to be honored in Boston by Lt. Governor Tim Murray
on January 14 at 2pm. The team will be photographed and given a tour of the Statehouse. This fall Nate Nelson
was photographed with Gov. Deval Patrick at the grand-opening of the Nokona glove factory. The Co. graciously
donated bats and a 1B mitt to Nelson for his 2009 spring training season.
1st Pitch Dinner: This event will kick off the 2009 season. The 2008-09 teams, families, and alumni are invited.
Phil Spellane ‟97 has organized the event at Leo‟s Restaurant on Brackett Court (behind Mt. Carmel) complete
with an Italian buffet ($20 pay at door), 2008 highlight video, and guest speaker. The team will honor the family
of Kevin Lyons, 2009 Hickey Award winner John Mahan, 2008 player award winners, and retiring softball coach
Lynne Oleson.
2008 Notes: (24-18; 12-5 MASCAC; regular season co-champs; tournament champs 3-0)…NCAA Tournament
as #7 seed (3rd regional since 2002)…greatest turn-around in school history: 6-13 record to 17-3 through
MASCACs…in NCAAs lost heartbreaker to Wheaton in 12 inn. (led 3-1 with 2 outs in 9th), beat St. Joseph‟s (8-0
in 1st with 3 HRs; grand slam by LaPrade), lost to WNEC 8-3 to end season…since 1998: 9th 20+ win season, 9th
season with a play-off win, 7th year playing for a Championship…5 last at-bat wins and 8 comeback
victories…pre-season #4 in MASCAC…season highlights: 1-3 in NJ and 3-5 in Fla…had 1-0 lead in 9th in Game
1 at Rowan (knocked out Ryan Kulik 1st team LHP All-American, 8th round pick, 1st D3 player picked)…Nate
Nelson (d3baseball.com pre-season All-American) smacked the go-ahead game-winning grand slam in 7th inn.
(down 3-0) at William Patterson, Kevin Hayes bunt/hit and 16-10 win vs. Gordon (6-runs in 10th with 3 squeeze
bunts)…game-winning run thrown out at plate in 9th vs. recent CWS champ Wisc-Whitewater…huge catches by
Abbascia vs. Salem in MASCACs and Hart DP from CF in semis vs. Westfield…McBride shutout of
Hamilton…2-out 2-RBI 2B by Nick Caparell to win huge Game 2 at Bridgewater…2 last-inning defeats at Mass.
Maritime…DH sweeps over #1 hitting team in MASCAC at Salem (2 shutouts), Fitchburg and
Framingham…undefeated at Holy Cross (Salve, RIC, Colby-Sawyer, Framingham-2) with defeats of New
England ranked RIC and Suffolk in same week…7-6 simulating win in 10 inn. vs. Salem (Gusha drives in Logan)
with 6- then 9-game win streaks…3-0 in MASCACs, beat Westfield and Salem 3 times in 2008, played 12 away
MASCAC games and went 7-5…have made every MASCAC Tournament except 2007…tied with Westfield for
co-champs at 9-5 with final day sweep of Framingham (4-way tie for 3rd)…GW1B in Championship Game by
Abbascia (MVP) with 2 wins in relief by Pat Good (Lucier saves title game)…McBride wins Game 2 vs.
Westfield and in NCAAs vs. St. Joe‟s…23 people played in NCAAs at Harwich…08 NCAAs: Trinity (CWS
champs), Wheaton, So. Maine, WNEC, St. Joe‟s, Castleton, Keene State, EConn…8 of 18 losses to 08 NCAA
teams: Rowan-2, Heidelberg, Wisc-Stevens Pt., Wisc-Whitewater (CWS), EConn, Wheaton, WNEC…8 seniors
(84 career wins, 2 NCAAs) and 2008 captains: Chris Gusha and Nate Nelson (WSC Athletes of Yr), Mike
McCormack (WSC Top Student), Mike Moffett, Joel Brierley, Josh Buzzell, Ryan Hawley, Chris Logan…NCAA
All-Tournament 2B LaPrade…All-MASCAC: Logan, Lucier, Nelson, Gusha (1st team)…All-New England (2nd
team), ECAC (2nd team) & Fenway All-Star Game: Nelson (had MLB tryout at Skydome)…Nelson 40th round
MLB pick Toronto #1209 overall (only 20 D3 players drafted, 3 in NE, 2nd Lancer in 3 years)…Lancer Baseball
Awards: MVP (TEAM), Top Hitter (freshman Abbascia .369), Defense (Logan), Pitcher (Lucier 3.27, 67 Ks),
Most Improved (Regan), Top Student (Cunningham 3.5), Rookie (Bob DeVito 3-0), Courage (LaPrade),
Sportsmanship (seniors), Unsung Hero (Hinkell)…2 NCAAs: Moffett, Buzzell, Logan, Gusha, Sunshine…2 fullcolor T&G articles on Gusha…MASCAC Players of Week: Lucier and DeVito (pitchers), Nelson-2,
Abbascia...Lucier made Lowell All-Americans and had CCBL tryout…LaHair played 2B for Tornadoes…team
honored at Tatnuck Post with 1976 AL Rookie of the Year Mark Fidrych as the guest speaker…NCAA games
broadcast live on web D3Cast…spring 9 with 3.0+ GPAs: Brierley, Buzzell, Nick Caparell, *Cunningham,
*Gusha, *Hawley, Hayes, *McCormack, Thompson (*Dean‟s List)…Team Stat Leaders: Nelson (12 HRs=25th
NCAA, 42 games, 2 3B, 48 RBI, 93 TB, .694 slug, 5 HBP, .428 on-base, 253 putouts, .982 field %), Hart (21 BB,
11 SB), Abbascia (.369 BA 8th in league), Gusha (160 AB, 42 games, 58 hits), Hinkell (5 HBP), Logan (43 runs,
15 2B, 2 3B, 11 SB), Raleigh (42 games, 90 assists), Lucier (14 games, 11 starts, 2 complete games, 71.2 inn., 67
K), McBride (6 wins), Good (3 saves), DeVito (3.05 ERA, .242 opp. BA)…Team in MASCAC: 2nd batting (.317),
4th pitching (4.88 ERA), 3rd fielding (.950)…team led MASCAC: 4 shutouts, 339 inn., 268 K, 42 games, 1382 AB,
438 hits, 283 runs, 27 HR, 253 RBI, 608 TB, 1017 putouts…player led MASCAC: Nelson (.694 slug, 48 RBI, 12
HR), Logan (43 runs, 16 caught stealing), Gusha (160 AB), Lucier (71.2 inn, 67 K), 25 K looking, 6 starts),
McBride (6 wins).
Pro Baseball: Tim Stronach pitched for 3 Mets minor league teams in 2008: Savannah, Kingsport and Brooklyn.
He won 5 in 28 appearances with 42 Ks. Check out articles on Stronach: mets.scout/com Inside Pitch and
nyfuturestars.com. Jeff LaHair once again was an IF for the Worcester Tornadoes (brother Bryan is MLB 1B
Seattle). In 2008 Jeff played in 70 games with 49 hits, 6 HR, 27 RBI. MLB Pick Nate Nelson had 12 hits and 11
RBI for the Gulf Coast Blue Jays. JP Ricciardi is the Toronto GM, Todd Smith MLB scout, Paul Turco Giants
scout, and Shawn Moore equipment manager for Arizona.
Field Update: The baseball diamond is nearing completion with grass being planted once the ground thaws in the
spring. The following are all done: dugouts, bullpens, press box, walk-way, fences, and backstop. Light standards
were installed for future set-up. High F‟s go out to President Janelle Ashley, VP Tom McNamara, Sen. Harriette
Chandler, John Mahan, Rep. Bob Spellane, Worcester Parks and Rob Antonelli for making this dream a reality.
New Recruits: Jake Sanderski (Holy Name; T&G Super Team), Devin Bussiere & AJ Passalugo (D-Y; 2008 Sr.
Ruth World Series), Jon Capachione (Wareham), Robert Cook Jr. (Xaverian, NY), Bobby Foley (Belchertown),
Tyler Metcalf (Bellingham; Milford Legion State Final 8), Ben Mullin (Burlington), Jack Rafferty (Tourtellotte,
CT), Phil Recco (Concord-Carlisle), Jesse Witkowski (Apponequet).
New Coach: Welcome graduate assistant Coach Jason Schmitz from North Dakota. He is enrolled in the Graduate
School of Educ. Coach Schmitz led the My Sports Dreams fund-raiser, booked the Florida trip, and designed the
clinic brochures.
Hall of Fame: Welcome Kevin Gniadek to the WSC Athletic Hall of Fame. Kevin sparked the 1999 team to the
ECAC Finals (1st ever) and a school record 25 wins. Baseball has the most inductees of any sport.
Golf Tournament: 2008 Winner Team O‟Brien, 2nd Burke, 3rd Wigren. Closest to Pin: Len Kasprazk, Pat O‟Leary,
Tom Cousineau, Jim Nimzik. Long Drive: Chris Gusha and Closest to Line: Mark Recco. Putting Contest: Mike
O‟Brien. Thank you to our Hole Sponsors: Jack Janasiewicz, Jack Hehir, Shawn Moore, Arthur Home
Improvement, Press Box, Dan Terio „00, the Paladino, Bussiere, Cook and Brunetta Families, Cunningham
Electric, St. Thomas Solar Energy, Cornell‟s Pub, Center Bar & Grill, Gary Walker, Regis Limo, Handy Helper,
Leo‟s T-Bird & Dugout Club. Every golfer received a 2008 NCAA Regionals RINGOR jacket. We want to award
a D1 trophy to the winning foursome each fall. Please tell us who were the winning teams from 1999-2006. Save
the next golf date: Saturday September 12, 2009 1:30pm @ Leicester CC.
Fund-raising: The team raised over $6,000 through My Sports Dreams. Thank you to all of the friends and family
who contributed. After the set-up fee, all of the money raised went directly to that person‟s Fla. trip.
Gear: Items to purchase include RINGOR NCAA Regionals Jacket ($20), 2008 NCAA Collage ($5), 2008 NCAA
Regionals T-shirt ($10), Akadema Performance T-shirt ($25), Akadema Shorts ($15), Akadema Hoody ($25),
Akadema Fleece ($25), Akadema Track Suit ($35). RSVP with your size and money by January 19. For a size
comparison Coach Baker wears a Large T-shirt and XL jacket/shorts/hoody. The 2009 adjustable hat order is
TBA. Make checks payable to “WSC Athletic Trust Fund-Baseball.” Items make a great gift!
Alumni News: Best wishes to Jack Hehir, Don Cushing, and Don Lightfoot in their retirement. Keith Bianchini
‟01 is a professional boxer. Eric Swedberg ‟02 led Auburn HS to the D2 MIAA State Finals. Matt Heenan had
another great summer in Stan Musial. Congrats to Jamie Downie and Tom Cousineau on getting engaged, and
Bear Dunn on getting married. Steve Ward ‟76 has joined the WSC Foundation Board. Shawn McNamara and
Don Lehtola are new Dads. Todd Smith is a MLB scout and led WBHS to the D3 Central Mass. Finals. Chris
Murphy is the new basketball coach at Salem State. Congrats to all the 4-yr players who recently graduated. All
alumni and former players=please go to the baseball website and fill out the alumni information piece (contact
info) – this includes graduates and those who played even a single season.
Hickey Award 2009: John Mahan is Mr. Central Mass. Baseball. You see him everywhere. We all know he is the
man behind the Clinton Legion Post, but he may be the best scout in the area. He routinely donates to the area
schools, sends along newspaper clippings, and even attends the WSC basketball games. You know he‟ll be sitting
behind the backstop at the MASCACs, Legion play-offs and World Series. Thanks for everything John!
Calendar: Thanks to everyone who donated this year. For an AD in the 2010 edition, send in a $25 business card.
Photos: If anyone has old head/action photos of your playing days please send them along to Coach Baker. He‟ll
scan and return the photo ASAP. We want to add photos of former coaches and players to the media guide.
Games Book & Video: Coach Baker updated his Games Book to over 200 baseball and softball games for kids
(McFarland Publishers, Inc.). The accompanying video was orchestrated by Championship Productions.
Camps & Clinics: Email Coach Baker for a flyer or see the athletics website under camps/clinics.
Sunday Baseball School January 25-March 1 (6 dates for Grades 1-12)
Advanced Catchers Clinic Featuring Rich Gedman Jan. 19, Feb. 20 9-12 (3 dates for Ages 9+)
Hitting Clinic Feb. 16-18 (3 days for Ages 7-18)
Pitchers/Catchers Clinic April 21 & 23 9-12 (2 days for Ages 11-18)
All-Sports Summer Camp July 27-31 9am-4pm (Ages 8-13 with Wed. overnight and Tornadoes game)
Baseball Alumni Advisory Board: We are looking for a panel of alumni who want to be an influence on
continuing the excellence of WSC Baseball. Please contact Coach Baker at dbaker1@worcester.edu or (508) 9298852 if interested in being connected to decisions on the Alumni Game, Newsletter, Homecoming, Golf
Tournament, Community Involvement, Special Events, Reunions, or Home Games.
Captains: As voted by their peers, our 2009 Captains: Joey Lucier RHP (Brockton), Andy Cunningham LHP
(Leicester), Craig McBride RHP (Attleboro), and Pat Good RHP (Hull).
Alumni Day: Welcome all alums and former players to a lunch between games on April 18 vs. MCLA at Tivnan
Field.
2009 Schedule: The Fla. trip is March 13-22. Home DHs: Mass. Maritime, Westfield, Newbury, Salem, MCLA.
Away DHs: Fitchburg, Framingham, Bridgewater. Away games: WPI, Salve Regina, RIC, Colby-Sawyer,
Suffolk. Home games: Albertus Magnus, Babson, Endicott, UMass-Boston, WPI, Anna Maria, Becker, Nichols,
MIT. JV games @ Worcester Academy, QCC, and Franklin Pierce. Check out the website for the updated Game
Schedule and box scores/recaps plus live video feeds of certain home games. The NCAA games in 08 were filmed
live by D3Cast.
http://www.wsclancerathletics.com/sports/bsb/index
1 Game March 7, 2009 DH @ William Paterson University, NJ
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