Last spring, Tony Maniglia took over a Brush baseball program that needed a makeover.
Now in his second season leading the Arcs, Maniglia is seeing more consistency and promise.
“I am recognizing more continuity and listening capabilities,” Maniglia said. “Each player now has a stronger baseball foundation relative to mechanics, form and desire.”
The Arcs return seven starters from last year’s team that finished 9-14 overall and 3-11 in the Western Reserve Conference.
With 11 returning letter winners, the Arcs have the potential to work their way up the league standings and be even more competitive in a challenging district.
“Growth is leading the path,” Maniglia said. “Last year’s squad was riding on a philosophy that was broke from previous instructors. Creating a fundamental baseball foundation is allowing the players to grow with confidence in their present positions.”
Led by sophomore Travis Thompson, who was 3-0 with a 2.8 earned run average and 16 strike outs in 20 innings pitched, the Arcs have a solid pitching rotation.
Thompson is the ace followed by seniors Hank McClain, Landon Vance and Ben Feder and junior Micah Levy.
McClain was 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA last spring while Feder was 2-1 on the hill.
Junior Nick Malenda, an honorable mention All-WRC performer, returns in center field. He batted .307 with 15 runs batted in last spring.
Rounding out the projected starting lineup are Evan Mularo (catcher), Tyler Iacobucci (first base), Brett Gordon (second base), Justin Hamilton (shortstop), Josh Moore (third base), Ben Bolinger (left field) and Adam Turk (right field).
Brush’s recipe for success is simple.
“They must follow the basic fundamentals of baseball and remain steadfast and focus on the rudiments of the game,” Maniglia said.