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Post by hchoops on Feb 7, 2023 13:56:01 GMT -5
HC’s love affair with Polar Park must end
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Post by sader1970 on Feb 7, 2023 14:48:21 GMT -5
If the Polar Park fixation is to end, you better hope Vince leaves. Look at his strategic plan, he's all in with strengthening Worcester ties (that's a good thing, IMHO) and Polar Park is a VERY visible sign of that.
In the good old days, the time of my father, Holy Cross and Worcester ties were like Siamese twins, joined at the hip. Many HC guys, my father and uncle among them, married Worcester girls.
In my time, much less connection but still close. But, somewhere along the intervening decades the impression was given that Holy Cross was too good for Worcester. I believe that Vince wants to make a course correction. Not only Polar Park relations but I'll be surprised if he doesn't try to re-connect more closely with Worcester's many colleges.
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Post by rgs318 on Feb 7, 2023 15:26:37 GMT -5
I like that idea. Reestablishing those connections I see as positive.
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dutton09
Climbing Mt. St. James

Posts: 60
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Post by dutton09 on Feb 7, 2023 19:27:28 GMT -5
I think re-establishing those connections is a great idea. The Worcester community undoubtedly has a lot to offer.
In terms of this particular event, however, I think it was well-attended in the past due to the specific fact that it was held on campus. It gave alums a chance to return to their alma mater and enjoy a lovely event right in the heart of campus. At least that's what drew me and my peers to it in the past...
It was also sad to see no speakers (either keynote guest or award winner from the HC Baseball family) beyond the HC athletic department. I remember when an HC Baseball alum would be honored at the event by the Diamond Club and give a speech to the team/attendees. This was always a touching moment and brought back alum to support their fellow Crusaders of the past while honoring the team of present as well. As a player, I remember feeling a part of something bigger when I saw grads return to campus before each season. Coach D used to invite guys to watch the team's indoor intrasquad on the day of the event as well, which I always thought was really cool.
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Post by bfoley82 on Feb 9, 2023 1:11:02 GMT -5
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Post by efg72 on Feb 9, 2023 8:25:48 GMT -5
I had already deleted the post because it was in a thread about baseball. It was directed more towards the basketball situation over the last decade and the players use of transfer portal.
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Post by Crucis#1 on Feb 9, 2023 17:07:48 GMT -5
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Post by hcbaseballalum on Feb 10, 2023 10:12:36 GMT -5
Freshman Jack Toomey will be the best player on the team. Hopefully we can retain him after freshman year.
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Post by purplehaze on Feb 10, 2023 10:46:40 GMT -5
C Andrew Whinney (who had a good frosh year) is no longer on the roster (would be a soph this year) - might be a big loss unless we have a quality catcher lined up
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Feb 10, 2023 10:50:02 GMT -5
C Andrew Whinney (who had a good frosh year) is no longer on the roster (would be a soph this year) - might be a big loss unless we have a quality catcher lined up Whinney hit .169 last year.
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dutton09
Climbing Mt. St. James

Posts: 60
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Post by dutton09 on Feb 10, 2023 11:14:24 GMT -5
Freshman Jack Toomey will be the best player on the team. Hopefully we can retain him after freshman year. Interesting. What do we know about Toomey? Is he expected to start? And I agree, we have not done a good job of retaining talented players who show out during their freshman year.
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Post by purplehaze on Feb 10, 2023 11:53:43 GMT -5
Ref Whinney, I evaluate catchers differently - defensive skills are paramount - he started 20 games as a frosh for a reason - in limited ab's he hit 2 homers and had a .981 fielding pct and threw out 6 base runners Let's see how the catching position develops this season. (last year's starter D'Acunto has graduated)
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dutton09
Climbing Mt. St. James

Posts: 60
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Post by dutton09 on Feb 10, 2023 12:13:32 GMT -5
I agree, purplehaze. Defensive ability is the most important indicator of success for catchers at this level IMO. I'll take a solid chunk of points off the batting average in exchange for a catcher that keeps the ball in front, limits extra bases, and helps control the running game. To me, that is far more valuable than 5-7 more hits scattered hits throughout the year. That said, we should be able to bring in catchers at the D1 level that can execute all the defensive duties AND hit above the Mendoza line.
It will be interesting to see who steps up behind the plate for the Crusaders this year. I see Lucas Manning, Chris Baillargeon, and Patrick Casserly listed as catchers on this year's roster. Notably, Casserly was listed as and played OF during his first two seasons. I can't say I've seen the OF to C positional switch at 22 y/o before.
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Post by alum on Feb 10, 2023 12:20:02 GMT -5
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Post by A Clock Tower Purple on Feb 10, 2023 12:33:48 GMT -5
^
The demise of Legion baseball has led to more rising freshmen to play summer collegiate ball.
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dutton09
Climbing Mt. St. James

Posts: 60
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Post by dutton09 on Feb 10, 2023 12:38:42 GMT -5
Yes I believe it is becoming more and more common especially at the Futures League level of Collegiate summer ball.
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Feb 10, 2023 12:56:57 GMT -5
Ref Whinney, I evaluate catchers differently - defensive skills are paramount - he started 20 games as a frosh for a reason - in limited ab's he hit 2 homers and had a .981 fielding pct and threw out 6 base runners Let's see how the catching position develops this season. (last year's starter D'Acunto has graduated) Fair and good point. A google search of his name doesn’t show up on any other college baseball rosters.
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Post by bfoley82 on Feb 10, 2023 14:14:12 GMT -5
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Post by hcross22 on Feb 13, 2023 12:32:03 GMT -5
Only 2 LHP on the roster, one being a guy who had an 8.50 ERA last year in 45 ip. Not ideal.
No bios for 2 of the 3 assistant coaches...also not ideal.
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Post by hcross22 on Feb 13, 2023 12:39:33 GMT -5
Ref Whinney, I evaluate catchers differently - defensive skills are paramount - he started 20 games as a frosh for a reason - in limited ab's he hit 2 homers and had a .981 fielding pct and threw out 6 base runners Let's see how the catching position develops this season. (last year's starter D'Acunto has graduated) Fair and good point. A google search of his name doesn’t show up on any other college baseball rosters. Looks like still at HC, just not playing baseball.
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Post by hcbaseballalum on Feb 13, 2023 15:22:21 GMT -5
Only 2 LHP on the roster, one being a guy who had an 8.50 ERA last year in 45 ip. Not ideal. No bios for 2 of the 3 assistant coaches...also not ideal. Not new coaches as well. Here last year. Still no bios.
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Post by efg72 on Feb 14, 2023 20:46:21 GMT -5
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ce/14/40AF2794-646C-419D-85D6-F2B086B5D024/IMG_3740.heic
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Post by hcbball on Feb 16, 2023 18:30:18 GMT -5
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Post by purplehaze on Feb 22, 2023 11:20:47 GMT -5
Our grads continue to play well elsewhere Garret Keough was the WP yday in Georgetown's win over Navy - he was pitching to Angelo D'Acunto (HC '22) - Cam Meyer is playing 3rd base for the 2nd year there Sam Kirkpatrick is hitting a lofty .556 (10 of 18) thru 5 games as Belmont's SS
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Post by hchoops on Feb 24, 2023 15:53:28 GMT -5
Our grads continue to play well elsewhere Grads and deserters
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