Many New England sports fans have never been as hyped up about an upcoming baseball season as they are this year. After finally putting a long, cold winter in the past, and with the news of Boston Red Sox acquiring big bat Adrian Gonzalez, as well as all-star outfielder Carl Crawford from Tampa Bay, Red Sox Nation already has big hopes for their team (yes, despite starting the season off 0-6...)
Similarly, the town of Reading has been looking forward to another season of Reading Memorial High School baseball led by well-respected head coach Peter Moscariello.
Captains of this year's varsity squad include three-sport captain Jeff Covitz, Tom Crowley, and Rob McHugh. The three captains were elected at the end of last season by their teammates, and Moscariello feels he couldn't have made better selections himself.
"They keep the team focused, and I think they're going to be outstanding captains for us" said Moscariello. "They are leading verbally, but mostly they lead by example with the way they conduct themselves. They’re an extension of the coaching staff so they send out the same message to the team that the coaches are sending to the team."
The team is also looking to its' younger players to step up and play some big roles this year, and sophomore pitcher Scott Tully is one underclassmen who is already making a name for himself.
"[Scott] was a pitcher for us as a freshman, and he won seven games so we know he will be a big part of what we do this year," Moscariello said. "We’ll also have a mix of seniors and juniors out there, so we’ll have some experience and leadership from the seniors and we’ll have some juniors who were JV players last year who are ready to step in and make some contributions."
Moscariello will also rely on the depth of his coaching staff to help support the players throughout the season.
Assistant coaches include Scott Farris, Jim Lucci, Jason Zerfas, and newcomer Jason Padobafi.
"We have a coaching staff that I’m real pleased with, they work so hard for the kids and so well together that it makes it really enjoyable on the field," said Moscariello.
Moscarillo is no stranger to having competitive teams throughout his 33 years as head coach, and he expects if his team works hard this year they will find success, as well.
"Our expectations are to be the best team that we can be, and if we work hard and use our mental game well and do everything that we need to do then we’ll have a successful season," he said.
Reading won the State Championship back in 1996, and last year they also made a run in the MIAA State tournament before falling in the Division 2 North Championship and finishing the season 19-5.
"We don’t measure our success just in wins and losses, but making the tournament is certaintly always one of our expectations," said Moscariello.
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