A number of area baseball teams are hoping the return of experienced players will result in wins and trips to their respective league and district playoffs.

Those squads needing to replace talented seniors who have graduated are looking for newcomers to step up and contribute in a big way to bring about success.

Below are preview capsules on all 10 area teams, as the season begins today with a number of scheduled games.

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Joe Marykwas

Last year’s record: 10-11

Key players lost: Nick Schwartz, Tanner MoDavis.

Returning starters/letterwinners: Cole Lazorick (Sr., P/IF), Brody Schrantz (Jr., P/SS), Caden Hess (Jr., P/IF), Michael Antignani (Sr., 3B), Noah Pastor (Sr., CF/P)

Others to watch: Nate Frantz (Jr., P/OF), Lee Edwards (Sr., OF/P), Zack Murphy (Jr., C), Tyler Hoherchak (So., P/1B), Mason Domski (Sr., OF), Lucas Knopf (Fr. C/IF), Dominic Calcano (Fr., IF/P), Marshall Domski (Fr, IF/P), Cade Levan (Fr., IF).

Strengths: Thorpe is coming off a season where it qualified for the district playoffs. Coach Marykwas likes his returning experience. Thorpe had to battle through some injuries last season, so a lot of different guys were counted on to come in and play significant innings, and those players do return. Edwards was injured most of last season and returns, while Murphy steps in at catcher but saw a lot of at-bats at DH last season. The strength of the Olympians is their pitching depth. They have three solid starters in Lazorick, Schrantz and Hess, and a bunch of quality arms to come in the game in relief.

Weaknesses: Thorpe must improve its plate discipline, situational hitting and base running.

Outlook: “I’m really excited about the 9-10 guys we have that return and that we’re going to put out there on the field. I think we have really good pitching depth. I like our starters, and then we have a bunch of guys that can come in and throw some relief innings for us that I think can be effective. Pitching and defense is going to keep us in a lot of games, so we just need to be able to score some runs. So, situational hitting and baserunning is going to be huge. We need to find a way to manufacture runs even if we’re not hitting the ball well in some of our games.” - Jim Thorpe coach Joe Marykwas.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: JC Dietz - 5th season

Last year’s record: 9-12

Key players lost: John Light, Aidan Albert, Jake Lewis, Derek Behler, Keyden Ahner

Returning starters/letterwinners: Jayse Lawrence (Sr.), Cole Dietz (Sr.), Aiden Solt (Sr.), Cody Snyder (Jr.).

Others to watch: Brady Stubits (Sr.), Landon Abelovsky (Sr.), Pierce Goida (Jr.), Konner Nalesnik (Sr.), Cash White (Soph.), Logan Bellis (Soph.), Braylon Hunsicker (Soph.), Chase Llewellyn (Soph.), Brayden Ulshafer (Soph.), Luke Haydt (Soph.).

Strengths: The Indians have a number of returning players in the lineup that should help the team produce runs. Lawrence hit .403 a year ago and scored 19 runs. His speed and experience will be key for the team. Dietz ended with a .383 average and knocked in 20 runs. He puts the ball in play, and is especially tough at the plate with runners in scoring position. He’s a strong defensive infielder who will also see more time on the mound this season. Snyder combined speed with power, and is a run producer. He hit .383 last year, which included two triples and three homers. He drove in 17, and also stole 18 bases. Solt, who hit .279, is versatile and can play anywhere on the field.

Weaknesses: Like many teams, depth on the mound could be an issue for Lehighton. Dietz is hoping to get key innings out of Stubits, who did toss 19 innings a year ago. The senior does possess good velocity. A number of players will see time on the hill. The club also has to replace its starting catcher (Light) from a year ago. Goida will fill that role, and also look to lead the team’s staff.

Outlook: “Last year we finished 9-12 and earned a trip to the district playoffs for the third straight year. We need to replace both of our top two pitchers and our starting catcher. With very few kids having varsity level experience, it will be a challenge. However, I really like this younger group and they will push the older kids for more playing time. Our goal this year is to get better every game and hopefully get the chance to make the district playoffs.” — Lehighton coach JC Dietz

MARIAN

Manager: John “Pilsey” Petrilyak - 2nd season

Last year’s record: 10-11

Key players lost: None

Returning starters/letterwinners: Cole Defrancisco (Sr., P/OF); Ethan Labenburg (Sr., C/OF), Chase Grier (Jr., P/OF), Noah Bauder (Jr. INF), Alex Diaz (Jr. INF), Jimmy Cannon (Jr. INF), Brayden Grant (Jr. INF), Roman Bednarek (So., P/INF), Cole Jordan (So., P/OF).

Others to watch: Johnathan Derr (Sr., P/OF), Nolan Marsch (Jr., OF), Derek Yurkanin (Jr., P/INF), A.J. Reaman (So., C), Mitchel Knock (So., INF), Chase Gutsie-Quinn (So., P/OF), Danny Lemus (Fr., P/INF), Roman Bednark (Fr., P/INF).

Strengths: The Colts return an experienced team, which also includes some strong pitching.

Outlook: Marian continues to build a solid program under manager Petrilyak. The Colts return a strong group of experienced players, and should again be in the mix for one of the three Schuylkill League playoff spots. Cole Defrancisco is one of the league’s most experienced pitchers. If the pitching staff provides consistent innings and the lineup produces timely offense, the Colts have the ability to contend for a division title while aiming for another District 11 postseason appearance and more.

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head coach: Gerald Kresge - 4th season

Last year’s record: 7-13

Key players lost: Conner Simms (P, SS)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Chris Vargo (Sr., CF/P), Coy Daubert (Sr., 3B/P), Parker Schaffer (Jr., SS/P), Brayden Buskirk (Sr., C), Landon Cougle (Sr., 1B/3B), Avery Kabrick (So., OF/1B/P), Braedon Dougherty (Sr., DH/1B), Jayden Christman (Sr., Utility/P), Pablo Rivera (So., SS/2B/P)

Others to watch: Chase Gall (C/OF)

Strengths: Coach Kresge expects the defense to be a major strength this season, providing stability and confidence across the field. Offensively, The Bulldogs return the majority of a lineup that averaged 7.2 runs per game last season. In the past, depth throughout the lineup was a challenge at times, but it should be significantly improved this year. With the development of returning players and contributions from younger athletes, the lineup will be deeper and more balanced from top to bottom. The players have also dedicated themselves in the offseason to becoming bigger, faster, and stronger, and that commitment should translate directly to the field. The combination of experienced seniors and motivated underclassmen give the team depth and flexibility across the roster.

Weaknesses: One area Northern Lehigh will continue to focus on is mental toughness. Adversity is inevitable, and how the team responds when things don’t go their way will be critical to success. The ability to stay composed, maintain confidence, and respond the right way in difficult moments will play a significant role in determining how far the team can go this season.

Outlook: “We return a strong core of players this season, led by a group of experienced seniors who have invested a significant amount of time and effort into the program. This senior class is especially meaningful to me — they were freshmen when I first took the job, and they have been a special group to coach. They have embraced everything we have asked of them, and have helped lay the foundation for the culture we are building. This team has consistently shown up, worked hard, and committed itself to improving every day throughout the year. For the first time since I began coaching the Bulldogs, I see a group that truly has the capability to take the next step. The talent and ability are there, but ultimately our success will come down to the mindset of our players.” — Northern Lehigh coach Gerald Kresge

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach: Brian Polaha - 3rd season

Last year’s record: 21-6

Key players lost: Watson Church, Josh Farber, Nolan Fitzgerald, Aidan Freeman, Max George, Devin Rex, and Eli Zimmerman

Returning starters/letterwinners: Cole Dynda (Jr), Cannon Fitch (Sr), Ethan Konyak (Sr), Griffin Unrath (Sr)

Others to watch: Jake Carson (Jr), Evan Fatzinger (Fr), Brady Krimmel (Jr), Jesse Neupauer (So)

Strengths: Young players with varsity experience are going to be important to the Tigers in 2026. There are a lot of holes to fill, but the candidates generally have at least some varsity experience, so they won’t be coming in cold. The team also has some versatile players who can move around the field and help to give Polaha flexibility when it comes to making out a lineup card. Fitch for instance, has handed over his catching duties to freshman Evan Fatzinger so the senior can move around the field and even give some innings on the mound. Speaking of Fatzinger, the fact that Fitch can hand over the catching duties to him points to the good early impression he has made on the coaches.

Weaknesses: Graduation delivered quite the blow to Northwestern, with six starters moving on in their academic and athletic careers. The entire outfield graduated and it’s been tough to get on the field because of the weather, so Polaha is unsure of exactly what he has defensively. After all, there are only so many drills for a baseball team to do in a gymnasium, and getting experience on flyballs is certainly limited. High school schedules can sometimes bunch up because of bad weather, and pitching depth can make or break a team. With 80 innings of work lost to graduation, Polaha is going to have to dig deep to find some new arms to throw out on the mound. The good news is that junior Cole Dynda, who is one of the better pitchers in the Colonial League, is back and will serve as the ace.

Outlook: “This show will be a lot different,” said Polaha of the depth and experience of the teams he had in his first two seasons as Northwestern’s coach as compared to this season. “I would imagine it to be the case where guys are going to be progressing as the season goes along and they gain that varsity experience, see better pitchers, and work out some of the nerves. We’ll be able to beat some people and stay competitive early, and then we should be stronger later in the season. It’s still a good team, just a different situation for us this year.” — Northwestern coach Brian Polaha

PALMERTON

Head coach: Tyler Svetik - 5th year

Last year’s record: 16-8 overall

Key players lost: AJ Borger (2B/P), Mason George (1B/P), Mason Becker (OF/P), Corey Serfass (OF).

Returning starters/letterwinners: Jason Carelli (Sr., SS), Cameron Pengelly (Sr., P/3B), Brady Reph (Sr., P/INF), Luke Matsko (Sr., RF), Alex Keiper (Sr., CF), Greyson Ahner (Jr., C).

Others to watch: Colton Becker (Jr., P/Utility), Gaige McGowan (Jr., P/1B), Tegan Silfies (Jr., P/OF), Ben Negley (So., P/OF), Lukas Rivera (So., P/INF).

Strengths: The Blue Bombers return a number of experienced players from a team that enjoyed success a year ago. Seniors Pengelly, Carelli, Reph, Matsko and Keiper have a combined 16 years of varsity time between them. “All the seniors are hardworking leaders in their own way,” Svetik said. “This group knows how we practice, play, and represent Palmerton Baseball exceptionally well.”

Weaknesses: While the Bombers enjoy experienced starters at a number of positions, they also have a decent amount of inexperienced role players on the roster. Despite that, Svetik is anticipating growth from those players throughout the season.

Outlook: “We have a balanced roster of experienced and inexperienced players. This team will be fun to coach, as many players are getting their first chance to make their mark at the varsity level. Nobody needs to replace or duplicate their performance from last season; we just need to grow and focus on the job at hand each day. Not looking ahead, not getting too high or low, and taking it one day at a time will be the key to our success this season.” – Palmerton coach Tyler Svetik.

PANTHER VALLEY

Head coach: Rich Evanko - 11th year

Assistant coaches: John Cooper, Mike Pascoe, Johnny Byers, Jake Taras, Bradley Buzzard

Last year’s record: 7-13

Key players lost: Benny Baneravage (P/C/INF/OF – torn ACL), Brady Jones (P/OF), Logan Fisher (1B), Chase Krynock (P/INF), Connor Penberth (P/INF/OF), Cameron Caffery (P/OF).

Returning starters/letterwinners: Brody Breiner (Sr., P/SS), Danny Wehr (Sr., P/1B/3B), Gavin Yuricheck (Sr., P/CF).

Others to watch: Peter Kruslicky (Sr., P/1B), Cameron Cooper (Sr., OF), Kaden Koerbler (Jr., P/C/INF), Spencer Shirer (Jr., P/INF), Derek Lazar (Jr., P/INF), Gabe Perilli (So., P/1B/OF), Michael Mazzie (So., C/INF/OF), Grady Shellhamer (So., P/INF/OF), Carson Jones (Fr., 1B/OF/DH).

Strengths: Senior leadership from Breiner, Wehr and Yuricheck, who will anchor the team and help guide a roster with several new contributors.

Weaknesses: Limited returning experience, with only three starters back and six new players expected to fill varsity roles.

Outlook: Panther Valley enters the season looking to build on last year’s experience while navigating another transition-heavy roster. The Panthers will rely on senior leaders Breiner, Wehr and Yuricheck to help bring along a group that features six new starters. Consistency will be key, particularly on the mound and defensively, where throwing strikes and limiting mistakes will be emphasized. Offensively, the focus will be on situational execution — moving runners, making productive outs and playing team-first baseball. Competing in Schuylkill League Division 1 will present a challenge, but Panther Valley’s goals remain consistent.

“We want to qualify for districts and have an opportunity to qualify for league playoffs, but that will not be easy at all in Schuylkill League Division 1.” — Panther Valley coach Rich Evanko.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head Coach: Joe Anderton

Last year’s record: 6-13

Key players lost: Cameron King, Kole Henry

Returning starters: The Bears will look to junior Brayden Green, who is the team’s leading returning hitter (.423 batting average). Senior Ty Borger (.233) provides leadership and experience, along with juniors Gavin Bates (.333), Jacob George (.259) and Owen Walters (250). Head coach Joe Anderton will look to a group of underclassmen to take the next step this spring.

Anderton is confident in returning pitchers Borger (2.62 ERA) and seniors Sam Smale (2.59) and London Smith (3.17) for their skill and veteran mound presence.

Others to watch: Senior Jake Loch, sophomore Chase Borger.

Strengths: Anderton likes the team’s overall experience and pitching depth.

Weaknesses: The Bears lack defensive depth at certain spots.

Outlook: “We will be competitive by playing good defense and pitching well. Finding consistent offense all season will be the key throughout a very difficult schedule.” – Pleasant Valley coach Joe Anderton

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Jeff Reading - 25th season

Last year’s record: 21-2 (Schuylkill League champions)

Key players lost: Cooper Ansbach (P/SS), Luke Kane (C), Mason Ligenza (P/CF), Noah Mateyak (P/RF), Maximus Najarro (DH)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Logan Wargo (Sr., P/INF), Luke Frohnheiser (Sr., 1B/C), Logan Morgans (Sr., P/OF), Jake Yenser (Jr., P/UTL), Landon Kamant (Jr., P/INF), Gavan Hess (Jr., P/OF), Brayden Witkowski (Jr., P/C/UTL)

Others to watch: Logan Deiter (Jr., C/INF/OF), Haniel Montero (Jr., P/INF), Kaden Krajcirik (Jr., INF), Quinn Coleman (Jr., OF), Gavin Shannon (Fr., P/OF), Gavin Edmonds (Fr., INF), Ryder Holmberg (Fr., C/OF)

Strengths: Tamaqua has a nucleus of returning players with varsity experience who contributed to last year’s Schuylkill League championship run. A couple of young arms saw a number of innings last year and are now the veteran pitchers as juniors.

Weaknesses: A majority of the pitching was lost to graduation, and a lot of the offensive production walked out the door as well. Newcomers gaining experience will play a big factor in this team’s success.

Outlook: “The team is goal-driven, as every team is, and they look to write their own story this year, one game at a time,” Reading said. “Newcomers gaining experience will play a big factor in this team’s success.” — Tamaqua coach Jeff Reading

WEATHERLY

Head coach: Jeremy Witner - 1st season

Last year’s record: 2-19

Key players lost: none

Returning starters: Corbin Wagner, Raymond Montz, Nico Suarez

Others to watch: Jeremiah Donadi, Jameson DeLaurentis, Kameron Jacoby, Shaun Gerlich

Strengths: Donadi has excellent mechanics from the mound and can throw multiple pitches for strikes. DeLaurentis can also pound the zone and will be a relief pitcher early in the season. The Wreckers are expected to be better this season and score more runs. Senior co-captain, Montz is “a baseball-minded kid who can barrel the ball” according to Witner. Jacoby shares the captain title, and he was the best contact hitter on Witner’s fall Babe Ruth team. Wagner comes off the hardwood after becoming a career, 1,000-point scorer and his athleticism has earned him the starting center fielder job. Gerlich has shown a lot of pop in his bat, and is marked to be the designated hitter. “We are a gritty bunch and if we can play solid defense, we will be competitive.”

Weakness: The Wreckers are largely inexperienced and with a roster size of 13, they will have the challenges of finding enough pitching, especially when weather postponements cause four or more games a week. Depth at each position will be concern as players will be counted upon to play multiple positions.

Outlook: Witner hopes to bring stability to the program that has won only six games in the last three years. “We’re not looking at won-loss records. We want to build a solid program. We’re asking our team to be focused and give us maximum effort. I believe if we can do that, we’ll be competitive.” — Weatherly coach Jeremy Witner