Editor's Note I: If you're looking for some BHS baseball apparel for the upcoming season, click HERE. 

 

With temperatures still flirting with freezing and precipitation still drifting into snow, the start of most spring sports may have some issues. Such was the case in 2018 for the Bridgeport High School baseball team that saw a boatload of early games wiped out and the need for a bunch played in a short window.

 

A problem?

 

Not hardly. The Indians went 30-10 and won their fifth-straight Class AA title – a record for any classification in West Virginia high school baseball.

 

“We played 17 games in two weeks last year and even though the kids were tired we played a lot of kids and that helped us down the stretch when we needed guys to step up. Of all the things that helped last year, that stretch flew under the radar,” said Coach Robert Shields, who has been the head coach since 1987. “Those games from that stretch are also big this year because we got playing time for a lot of guys in a lot of clutch situations that are on this year’s roster.”

 

This year’s roster, said Shields, is a good one. What it isn’t, he said, is one featuring marquee names.

 

“You may not know the names, but we’ve got a lot of kids back that can play, and we’ve got a lot of new kids that can play,” he said. “The thing I like is that even without that household name or two, we’ve got kids that are going to make their own mark.”

 

They’re going to need to. The Indians once again not only will play a schedule loaded with local powers, but those statewide as well. The only deletion is the annual trip to Jefferson and Potomac Falls (Va.), but that’s been replaced with some big names.

 

The Tribe will play games with Spring Valley, Liberty Raleigh, Frankfort, Logan, Chapmanville, George Washington, Erie McDowell (Pa.) and Washington High School among others.

 

“It’s beefed up again,” said Shields of the schedule. “That’s the way we want it and weather will indicate just who we play. If it’s bad, maybe we’ll have to cram a bunch of them together again.”

 

The schedule adds to a process the program has thrived under. Shields has seven state titles to his credit, including the recent win streak.

“The pressure seems to build each year, but it makes the kids work harder toward the ultimate goal,” said Shields.

 

Like every team, a lot of what happens with the Indians will ride on the arms of the pitching staff. Shields has plenty of numbers and even some experience back for the 2019 ride that he hopes will end in Charleston.

 

The staff includes Tim Via, Mark Lavezza, Connor Robe and Ethan Perry as the seniors. Juniors include Nate Mullins (the team’s only left hander), Tyler Wilkinson, Cody Tomasik, Nick Stalnaker and Trey Pancake. Sophomores Jack Bifano and Ryan Goff are also in the mix. Of that group, Via and Lavezza have the most experience.

 

“They threw a lot of games. They’ve got experience. Timmy pitched the semifinals last year and Mark got involved in some big games,” said Shields. “We’ve got some others, too, that really benefitted in the offseason and with Legion baseball.”

 

Whoever is pitching will have the benefit of Perry, who started last year. Even better, Shields has a deep catching rotation when Perry goes to the mound to pitch.

 

“We have Ethan, Ben Mossburg and J.D. Love. I’m comfortable with the group and a strong point on the team,” said Shields.

 

Mossburg shouldn’t be afraid of a big-game situation. The junior caught in the state title game for the Indians.

 

At first base is the athletic Stalnaker. Shields said he moved into the start spot there toward the latter part of the 2019 campaign. He’ll see relief from seniors Trent Tucker and Drew Harbert. Harbert served as a designated hitter, pinch hitter and got a lot of at-bats a season ago.

 

At second base, Shields also has a luxury. The Indians will mix and match the combination of Evan Ogden and Vincenzo Cava – both seniors – there or in right field as it is “another area of comfort” thanks to their play. Frank Why, a sophomore, is also being counted on in that area.

 

To help solidify the middle of the defense, sophomore Ryan Goff will get the ball at shortstop. The ability to start a youngster there, said Shields, shows the level of faith he has in his second-year player. He also said he’ll utilize Stalnaker or Ogden there as needed – depending on innings played and who’s pitching.

 

At the corner, junior Trey Pancake is back after getting several starts last year. Pancake also caught for the Indians in 2018, but the vision has had him heading to third for some time. Bifano looks to be a backup along with a host of others.

 

In left field, senior Austin Sponaugle returns. Shields said he’s a “hard-nosed kid with grit and smarts,” which is what he believes is consistent throughout the outfield.

 

In center, junior Quintin Reep takes over in an area where athleticism is key. Shields And in right field, along with the Cava and Ogden combo is sophomore Nate Paulsen, who saw time running the bases as a freshman last year. Paulsen and senior D’Andre Holloway both bring speed as potential pinch runners and backups in the outfield.

 

Can the team compete, yet again, for a state title? Shields thinks the ingredients are there as long as the staff uncovers the one key piece among the many new faces.

 

“I think as the season progresses, that yes, we can compete. What I need to discover is if they have that bulldog mentality and the leadership. The group is talented and smart, but what sets teams apart is having a killer instinct and I hope to see that come to the forefront when the season begins,” said Shields. “If that happens, we’ll reap the benefits of a good season.”

 

Bridgeport opens the season Thursday. The Indians will visit Harrison County and Big 10 opponent Liberty at 5 p.m.

 

Editor's Note II: Photos from 2018 season by www.benqueenphotography.com.