Baltimore County
Arlington Baptist Eagles
1998 record: 8-9
Coach: Andy Gossel
Top players: Jason Jones, Jr., P; Scott Booker, Sr., 2B; Aaron Polk, Sr., CF-P; Dave Peterson, Sr., P-SS
Outlook: The Eagles are young, with mostly freshmen and sophomores, and just four seniors, but have the potential to be a playoff team in the MIAA B Conference.
Beth Tfiloh Warriors
1998 record: 4-11
Coach: Adam Klaff
Top players: Yoni Rosenblatt, Jr., P; Seth Zonies, Jr., C; Josh Schmerling, Soph., 1B; Joe Rombro, Jr., 3B; Aaron Hollander, Jr., OF
Outlook: In its second year back with a varsity team after a long hiatus, the Warriors have no seniors and will rely on freshmen to play important roles, especially on the mound and in the outfield.
Boys' Latin Lakers
1998 record: 9-5
Coach: Butch Maisel
Top players: Alan Waring, Sr., SS-P-2B; Ryan Wilner, Sr., 2B-SS-1B; Lucien Giordano, Sr., 1B-P
Outlook: Eight starters return from a team that batted over .350 last season while narrowly missing the MIAA playoffs, and most of them have been on the varsity for four years. Players believe this is their year to contend for a championship.
Calvert Hall Cardinals
1998 record: 25-5
Coach: Joe Binder
Top players: Joe Marcozzi, Sr., CF; Greg Smoot, Sr., OF; Seamus Corcoran, Sr., SS; Dan Sorrells, Sr., 2B; Brad Williams, Sr., 1B-OF; Brent Gossman, Jr., P; Ryan Kyle, Jr., P
Outlook: The defending MIAA A conference champions, who finished last season ranked No. 3, have several obstacles to overcome. They graduated several starters, including their top two pitchers, and will have to play their home games at Redwood Field, a rec field by Oakleigh Elementary, while their new home facility is built across campus. But don't feel sorry for the Cardinals just yet. They still feature a potent lineup led by Marcozzi (.387, 21 RBIs) and Smoot, a power hitter who has signed to play football at Connecticut.
Carver A&T; Wildcats
1998 record: N/A
Coach: Lance Mauck
Top player: Ryan Walsh, Sr., P-SS
Outlook: Six starters return for the Wildcats, including top pitcher Walsh.
Catonsville Comets
1998 record: 13-6
Coach: Doug Campbell
Top players: Steve Brechbiel, Sr., C; Mike Spann, Sr., P-SS; Mike Mannone, Sr., 3B; Andy Ford, Jr., IF
Outlook: The Comets graduated two of their best hitters from last year's squad that lost to Dundalk in the regional semifinals, but return several standouts, including four-year catcher Brechbiel (.450, led team in RBIs), No. 1 pitcher Spann and third baseman Mannone, who led the team in batting and slugging average and went errorless in 56 chances last season.
Chesapeake Bayhawks
1998 record: 8-7
Coach: Jack Kirtland
Top players: Dave Theisen, Sr., P; Brian Ross, Sr., 1B; Andy Kirtland, Sr., P; Charles Jackson, Sr., OF-3B
Outlook: With the nucleus of this team returning, Kirtland is looking forward to an improved season from the Bayhawks, who exited in the first round of the regional playoffs a year ago.
Dulaney Lions
1998 record: 11-6
Coach: Ron Audlin
Top players: Bryan Mosser, Sr., P-CF-1B; Chris Folckemmer, Sr., P; Mike Davidson, Jr., P; David Gobeli, Soph., P; Mike Hartzell, Sr., 2B; Trevor MacMeeken, Soph., 1B
Outlook: With four pitchers who Audlin believes could be No. 1 or 2 starters on any county team, the Lions look to be a force. Mosser is a lefty with a 90 mph fastball and phenomenal control, who also batted .500 last season. Dulaney was 6-0 until he got hurt, and struggled afterward.
Dundalk Owls
1998 record: 6-11
Coach: George Scheulen
Top players: Josh Prouty, Sr., OF; Kevin Ermer, Jr., OF; Nick Jones, Sr., P
Outlook: Scheulen expects the Owls to make a marked improvement, buoyed by upgraded pitching and defense. Jones, a right-hander with excellent control, will by the No. 1 starter, and Prouty is a standout power hitter.
Eastern Tech Mavericks
1998 record: 14-8
Coach: Ken King
Top players: Josh Kenney, Jr., SS-P; Jose Barbosa, Sr., CF; Chris Schepers, Sr., 1B
Outlook: The Mavericks, who advanced to the regional final before falling to C. Milton Wright, lost all but three starters to graduation.
Franklin Indians
1998 record: 13-4
Coach: Chick Vrany
Top players: D.J. Hale, Sr., P; Roy Mack, Sr., 3B; Jon Mandras, Sr., 2B; Eric Radom, Sr., OF; Greg Wingate, Jr., P
Outlook: Vrany's squad features a good nucleus of returners, including Hale, a right-handed finesse pitcher who went 4-2 last season, and Mack, a .300 hitter. Right-hander Wingate threw a no-hitter against Western in his only start a year ago.
Hereford Bulls
1998 record: 4-14
Coach: Rich Griser
Top players: C. J. Feldheim, Jr., 1B; Ryan Ambrose, Jr., P; Andrew Smink, Jr., P; Mike Rostek, Soph., SS; Steve Goad, Soph., OF; Ryan Cardone, Jr., OF; Pat Devereux, Sr., 3B-P
Outlook: The hitting and defense are there. If the Bulls get pitching to go along with it, they could be a county contender. A year ago, they lost eight one-run games, including five in the final inning.
Kenwood Bluebirds
1998 record: 7-7
Coach: Bud Keene
Top players: Tony Collins, Sr., P; Frank Metts, Sr., P-1B; Hans Moore, Sr., P; Ryan Wolfsheimer, Sr., SS; Mike Izzo, Sr., P-OF; John Griffin, Sr., OF; Mike Lyon, Sr., 2B
Outlook: Improved pitching and defense are expected of this senior-dominated team, which won six of its final seven games last season, losing in the regional semifinals.
Lansdowne Vikings
1998 record: 15-6
Coach: Jay Morraye
Top players: Josh Sammons, Jr., P-OF; Tom Zimmerman, Sr., C; Jon Brunelle, Sr., CF; Billy Detzel, Sr., OF; Jack Saffran, Sr., SS-P; Cliff Zimmerman, Soph., 3B-P
Outlook: Anything less than a state championship would be a major disappointment for the Vikings, who return all but two starters from a team that advanced to last year's Class 2A final before losing to North Caroline. Led by lefty Sammons, the pitching staff features four power pitchers, two lefties and two righties, who are all underclassmen.
Loch Raven Raiders
1998 record: 11-10
Coach: Mike Bryant
Top players: Mark Little, Sr., SS-P; Josh Zumbrun, Sr., P-LF; Sage Hanna, Sr., 3B; Michael Scheifer, Sr., 1B; Todd Whelan, Sr., OF
Outook: A year ago, the Raiders won the state semifinal, but had to forfeit their chance at a title for using an illegal player. Though they lost four starters to graduation, all four spots will be filled by players with varsity experience.
Loyola Dons
1998 record: 11-15
Coach: Tim Nordbrook
Top players: Steve Pyzik, Sr., C-SS-P; Jeff Fertita, Jr., P-SS; Adam Rohr, Sr., OF-IF; John Patrick Dahlgren, Sr., P; Matt Linkerhoker, Sr., P
Outlook: Nordbrook, the former Oriole, takes over a solid program that has been decimated by injuries during preseason practice. The Dons have lost four players, including three pitchers, with varying degrees of injuries.
Lutheran Saints
1998 record: 9-8
Coach: Paul Schildwachter
Top players: Jason Schneider, Sr., SS-P; Mike Weese, Sr., 3B-P; Brett Evans, Sr., 1B: Mike McNieve, Sr., C
Outlook: Schildwachter, the former JV coach, takes over a program that missed the MIAA B Conference playoffs by a game last season. With the loss of two key players to graduation, however, the Saints will have to rely heavily on younger players.
McDonogh Eagles
1998 record: 15-9
Coach: Chet Janiga
Top players: Jeremy Brown, Sr., P-OF; Cap Poklemba, Sr., SS; Tim Heller, Sr., 2B; Shaun Semesky, Sr., CF; Jason Schwartzberg, Sr., 1B; J. B. Doub, Jr., P-IF.; Chris Nicholson, Sr., 3B-OF
Outlook: The Eagles again will be one of the top contenders in the MIAA A Conference. The entire infield returns, including second- team All-Metro shortstop Poklemba (.470) and cleanup hitter Heller (.415), as does Brown, a first-team All-City/County pick who hit .384 and went 5-4 with two saves. If Janiga's team can find pitching depth, it will be hard to stop.
Milford Mill Millers
1998 record: 3-10
Coach: Ron Bareford
Top players: Tyrone Gholston, Sr., CF; Jason Jones, Sr., C; Renard Stancil, Jr., P-3B; Andre Zince, Jr., P-IF.; Dwayne Wallace, Soph., P-IF
Outlook: The Millers possess good speed and better-than-average defensive ability. Pitching depth and hitting, however, are the big unknowns.
Mount Carmel Cougars
1998 record: 7-10
Coach: Mike Naunton
Top players: Shawn Stallmann, Sr., P; Darrick Muchla, Jr., CF; Jimmy Snyder, Soph., 1B
Outlook: The Cougars will be buoyed by the return of Stallmann to the mound. One of the top pitchers in the MIAA B Conference his sophomore year, the left-hander was limited to being the DH last season (.591) due to a non-baseball-related injury.
Overlea Falcons
1998 record: 11-7
Coach: Dave O'Neill
Top players: Alim Richards, Jr., P; Adam Nies, Sr., P; John Hilton, Jr., P; Dave Thornton, Sr., P: Amin Richards, Sr., OF; Zach Sergotick, Jr., 1B
Outlook: With exceptional pitching depth and better-than-average hitting, O'Neill feels this team has the potential to be better than his state semifinal squad of four years ago.
Owings Mills Golden Eagles
1998 record: 14-4
Coach: Jerry Kandel
Top players: Drew Bowers, Sr., C-SS; Randy Murray, Sr., CF; Matt Summerlin, Sr., OF-DH; James Cornell, Sr., P; Casey Calton, Sr., P-OF; Bobby Holloch, Sr., P-OF
Outlook: Longtime sandlot coach Kandel takes over a program that enjoyed great success a season ago. The nucleus of that club returns in the form of eight seniors, many of whom saw significant playing time a year ago.
Park Bruins
1998 record: 7-5
Coach: Dr. Allan Garfinkel
Top players: Matt Hoffman, Jr., SS; Aaron Rabinowitz, Sr., CF; Justin Mongroo, Sr., 2B-OF; Jonathan Konitz, Jr., P-IF.; Jacob Blum, Jr., 3B-P-C; Danny Lerman, Sr., 1B
Outlook: Park, the MIAA B Conference champs two years go, should again be right in the thick of the race. Despite losing three standout players, the Bruins return Hoffman and Rabinowitz, both .400 hitters, and pick up Konitz, a five-pitch pitcher, from McDonogh.
Parkville Knights
1998 record: 6-10
Coach: Jeff Markel
Top players: Dan Rock, Sr., SS; Jason Bennett, Sr., 2B; Pat O'Hara, Sr., OF; Justin Amig, Jr., P; Dave Callahan, Jr., P
Outlook: Led by right-handed hurlers Callahan and Amig, the Knights should be competitive. The team has decent hitting, led by Rock and O'Hara -- both around the .400 mark last season -- and Bennett, but needs to improve its defense.
Patapsco Patriots
1998 record: 13-4
Coach: Dave Ingle
Top players: Greg Hopper, Sr., P; Shane McLaughlin, Sr., P; Chad Clarke, Sr., 3B; Ken Bolyard, Jr., CF; Eric Lloyd, Jr., C
Outlook: This team's goal is simple -- to make it farther into the state playoffs than last season, when it was stunned by Lansdowne in the opening round. Both top pitchers return in left-hander Hopper (4-1, 1.51 ERA) and right-hander McLaughlin (5-1). Clarke was All-City/County at third, batting .525 with 22 RBIs and committing just two errors in 32 chances.
Perry Hall Gators
1998 record: 9-10
Coach: Elmer McCann
Top players: John Wanger, Jr., P; Dan Markley, Sr., P; Brian Hodgson, Sr., 3B; Shawn Warner, Soph., CF; Chris Pike, Jr., P
Outlook: This team is young, but full of potential. The Gators return right-handed pitchers Wanger and Markley, who also batted .350 as a left-handed designated hitter.
Pikesville Panthers
1998 record: 14-7
Coach: Nick DePace
Top players: Andrew Rosenberg, Sr., P-SS; Jerrelle Allen, Sr., OF; Mike Mazursky, Sr., OF; Brooks Miller, Sr., 2B
Outlook: DePace takes over the program after a year as an assistant at Meade. His team should contend in the county right away. The Panthers feature a half-dozen returning seniors, including top pitcher Rosenberg.
Randallstown Rams
1998 record: 2-13
Coach: Buddy Parker
Top players: Ali Shah, Sr., P-3B; Marcus Fenner, Sr., IF-P; Marcus Boone, Sr., OF; Greg Wolfe, Sr., SS; Eddie Wilson, Jr., C; Jay Woodson, Jr., P
Outlook: With six seniors and a better overall attitude, this team should be much better than a year ago. Shah, a right-hander, is the top pitcher and also hit .360 last season.
St. Paul's Crusaders
1998 record: 8-10
Coach: Paul Bernstorf
Top players: Brent Weiss, Soph., C; Rickey Cohen, Sr., 1B; Jim Mather, Sr., SS; Brian Perkins, Soph., P; Walter Hill, Fr., CF
Outlook: Youth and enthusiasm typify this team, which expects to start a freshman and five sophomores. Weiss (.350, 3 HRs) has a cannon arm behind the plate, and Cohen has hit over .300 each of the past three years while starting at first. Perkins, a lefty, is the top pitcher
Sparrows Point Pointers
1998 record: 5-8
Coach: Mark Moxey
Top players: Steve Ballance, Sr., 3B; John Early, Soph., OF-P; Nick Iacovelli, Jr., SS-2B; Frank Gephardt, Sr., OF-1B
Outlook: Six players return from last year's team, including four starters. All told, the Pointers will carry only 12. What they lack in depth and experience, however, they make up for in talent. Ballance hit .454 and was honorable mention all-county.
Towson Generals
1998 record: 13-3
Coach: Bill Yosca
Top players: Mike Williams, Jr., P; John Michael Pjura, Sr., P; Steve Gorsuch, Sr., SS; Wade Tyree, Sr., C; Jared Satterfield, Jr., DH
Outlook: The Generals return quite a few players from a team that has a 26-5 record over the past two regular seasons, each time losing in the second round of the playoffs.
Towson Catholic Owls
1998 record: 3-11
Coach: Eric Frank
Top players: Dave Jones, Soph., 3B-P; Chip Bokel, Sr., OF; Mike Maskovyak, Sr., 1B-P
Outlook: With all but one player returning from last season, the Owls look to be more experienced, more mature and generally improved. Frank expects a better strikeout-walk ratio from his pitching staff, and said defense will be a strength.
Western T&E; Wolverines
1998 record: 5-10
Coach: Tag Landon
Top players: Gary Monroe, Sr., SS; Tom Smith, Jr., P; Armon Kazemi; Jr., 3B Rob Haspert, Sr., C; Adam Coburn, Sr., OF
Outlook: The Wolverines are very young, but very good. Despite losing seven seniors to graduation, they boast a number of freshmen and sophomores with enormous potential.
Woodlawn Warriors
1998 record: 10-6
Coach: Rob Plummer
Top players: Ryan Lawn, Sr., P-SS; Peter Billingsley, Sr., C; Cameron Ross, Jr., 3B; Tim McInnes, Sr., 1B; Nelvin May, Soph., CF
Outlook: Five starters return off a team that has won 10 games each of the past two years, and could have won more last season if not for five blown leads.
Pub Date: 3/17/99