By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting

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Riverdale Baptist

HEAD COACH: Ryan Terrill

CONFERENCE: Private, Independent

2014 RECORD: 25-6

RETURNING STARTERS: 5

TOP RETURNERS: 
Brody Cook
Zech McPhearson
Seth Williams
Joey Mendez
John Palen
Nehemiah Wright

TEAM STRENGTHS:
Riverdale has a strong team in general with team speed and offense being the two areas where they excel the most. Zech McPhearson is the first name that comes to mind when it comes to speed as the leadoff centerfielder creates havoc from the lefty batter’s box and covers a lot of ground in the outfield with his excellent speed. VCU commit Brody Cook is a threat every time he reaches the bases and he does that frequently after hitting over .500 last year for the crusaders. Nehemiah Wright, Adante’ Rhodes, Jon Lozada, and Sergio Burgos are all speed demons that pressure opponents on the bases.
Riverdale not only has the table setters, but they also have plenty of RBI men to knock them in. VMI commit Seth Williams is one of the Crusaders top RBI men sitting in the middle of the order. Juniors Joey Mendez (Longwood) and Junior Palen will also provide legitimate power to the lineup with Williams. 

QUESTION MARK:
Riverdale in the past two years have graduated five Division I pitchers from their rotation and this year some new arms are going to be depended upon to keep the rich tradition of pitching alive. Williams, LHP Chris Caulfied, and LHP Luis Rodriguez look to be the three young men that will anchor the new pitching staff. Also Cook, Wright, Justin McNeil, and Devin Harrison will add innings and shore up the bullpen depth.     

WILDCARD:
Look for Chris Caulfield to make a big impact with Riverdale Baptist this season. The 6-foot-2 junior shows strong pitch ability with multiple pitches in his arsenal to keep opposing lineups off balance. His maturity and work ethic have earned him a likely spot in the rotation for the Crusaders. Look for a breakout season from the left-hander.    

OVERALL:
Another year of high expectations await Riverdale Baptist in 2015. The programs ability year in and year out are a tribute to what the Terrill family have done with the program. Look for another strong season from the Crusaders in 2015.