Two returning Genesee Area Conference Red Division first team players head up the Goodrich varsity baseball team heading into the 2005 season.
Senior outfielder Kirk Elsworth and junior infielder Matt Hughes, both named to that squad, return to a Martian team that won its eighth league title in nine years and its seventh district championship in 10 years.
In all, eleven Goodrich varsity players are returnees, with seven of them being seniors.
The Martians finished the 2004 season with a 33-9 overall record and a 21-1 record in the league, sharing the GAC Red crown with Mt. Morris.
Goodrich coach Bob Foreback, heading into his 11th year as the Martians? coach, said the Martians? pitching staff will play a key role in how well the team does this year.
‘If we get two or three pitchers to step up and have strong seasons, we will have a successful year,? he said.
Senior Nick Wesener is the ace of the Goodrich staff, which also includes senior Michael Skinner, junior Basil Wilson (the team’s only left-handed pitcher), and junior Weston Coleman, a transfer student from Flint Powers.
Foreback said Elsworth, who batted cleanup last season and led the Martians with 48 RBI, will be moved to the leadoff spot in the Goodrich lineup.
‘I’m hoping to get him more at bats, more stolen bases and better pitches to see this season,? he said of Elsworth.
Senior Renny Grant will start at catcher for the Martians, and Foreback said Grant had a strong offseason routine, which should translate into much improvement.
Brothers Ben and Basil Wilson will split time at first base this year, in addition to Basil’s pitching duties. Hughes will handle one of the middle infield spots, while sophomore Dusty Bourassa will see significant playing time in a utility role, while Craig VanWagoner will start at third base.
Also figuring to wear many different hats in utility roles this season are Dom Rivera (who was the Martians? regular designated hitter last season) and Keith Brotherton, whom Foreback said has not played baseball in two years but ‘has a lot of athletic ability and potential in both the infield and outfield.?
Another key player for the Martians this season is senior Adam Compeau, whom Foreback said. ‘has exceptional speed in the outfield and is the consummate team player.?
Rounding out the Goodrich varsity are sophomores Ben Gillam and Ty Purdy.