2024 Spring Team Preview: Staples (CT)
March 26, 2024
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2024 Spring Team Preview: Staples (CT)
WESTPORT, Ct. - The Player of the Year in the state of Connecticut, Hiro Wyatt, is now a professional, pitching in the Kansas City Royals’ organization. And while that loss is immense, the future remains bright for the Staples baseball program.
After all, the Wreckers have been to the state finals four out of the past eight years, including a runners-up finish in 2023 when Staples was defeated by Fairfield Warde 2-1 in 10 innings in the Class LL title game.
“We always compete with high expectations year in and year out,” noted head coach Jack McFarland, who pointed to pitching and defense as the “staple” of the baseball program.
While Wyatt, a third-round selection in last year’s MLB Draft, was the leader of a 21-6 team in 2023, a trio of key returnees bring optimism for more success this spring on the ball diamond.
Kai Nee, the fifth-rated junior left-handed pitcher in New England, is back to pace a pitching staff that has a number of good arms according to McFarland, who enters his 18th season at the helm of the Wreckers with a 293-136 overall record.
“Depth on the mound is a strength of this team,” pointed out McFarland, who in addition to Wyatt must replace right-hander Chase Siegal, now at Skidmore College.
Along with Nee, a Duke commit ranked third among 2025 southpaws in Connecticut, McFarland sees a lot of promise in Mason Tobias, a sophomore throwing 86-87 according to the mentor of the Wreckers.
A pair of returning outfielders brings more optimism to a team whose weakness is “experienced hitters” in the eyes of McFarland. Senior center fielder Luke Oakley is back to anchor the outfield with Jack Farnen another returnee. A Hobart College commit, Farnen batted .365 last season.
Team speed is another strength that the head coach of Staples is counting on this year.
“Staying healthy and lineup production are the keys to success this season,” McFarland said. “Our expectations are high. We expect to compete for conference and state titles.”
The season begins on Saturday with a state final rematch against Fairfield Warde.
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