Pelham’s varsity baseball team is hoping to have an impressive upcoming season lead by coach Brian Leighton and several essential players including senior Kevin Coleman. As the spring season kicks off, the team is prepared to put their best effort forward to win every game possible and contend in the playoffs.

Coming off last year’s record of 8-13, Coach Leighton said they are turning toward their seasoned players to help lead the team to a more victorious record than in previous years. Additionally, new and fresh talent has proven itself immensely valuable to the team. Leighton feels confident that freshman Thomas Shelton, coming off a successful winter track season where he asserted himself as one of Pelham’s best throwers in years, and sophomores Flynn Bryan and Stef Grammatica will both help to lengthen the team’s lineup and contribute to more runs scored. Regardless of the diversity in talent and age Coach Leighton felt that the team dynamic has been exemplary. “They have been very upbeat and energetic from day one and have been doing a nice job working together as a team,” said Leighton.

Though the team has lost integral players from last season including John Liesman, a pitcher, Luca Grammatica, who was the team’s leadoff batter, and shortstop, Leighton feels that the boys’ close-knit relationship and hard work will propel them to greatness in the future. Grammatica, who had more than 70 plate appearances last season, was exceptional at setting the table at the top of the lineup and keeping the ball on the infield while on the defense, will be tough shoes to fill but certainly not impossible, according to Leighton.

Leighton said that while a section title would be “fantastic” he feels that every game played is equally important. “…I think it’s important for our guys to realize that wins are a byproduct of their work ethic, holding each other accountable, and maintaining a positive winning attitude each day,” said Leighton.

The baseball team kicked off their season with a 19-2 win against Peekskill, followed by a 4-3 loss to Pearl River, and will again play Monday, April 1 against Walter Panas on Solimine Filed.