The Seekonk
Reporter
APRIL 2012 Volume 24, no. 4
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Serving the Residents of Seekonk, Rehoboth and Surrounding Communities Since 1989
Summer Camp Guide page 62
Spring Home & Garden
Warrior Baseball in Camp, Prepping for 2012 Season
By James Chandley Warrior baseball had what most would call a successful 2011 season. It was the first season without their departed teammate Jacob Mayo, they had a coaching change very late in the offseason, and a controversy over that decision. Still the team managed to finish 10-6 and made the playoffs. But the season did not end the way Seekonk wanted, they bowed out of the playoffs with a first round loss to conference foe Apponequet. The challenges of a new season are no easier; second year skipper Joe Demelo has to fill four spots in his starting infield. Captain and starting catcher Andrew Killian graduated last June along with teammates Sean Heaney (starting shortstop), Dylon Swift (starting third base), and Justin Carvalho (starting second base). These four filled high leverage positions defensively, but they also leave vacant the top four spots in the Seekonk lineup. Coach Demelo knows the Warriors have their work cut out for them. “We have competition for a lot of jobs. There’s competition at second, short and third, and we need a couple of alternative outfielders,” said Demelo. The coach said he would ideally like to have John Balasco in the outfield, but the need for a second baseman who can carry the weight offensively might force Balasco into the infield. As it stands, second base is an open competition. Daniel Silva and Joey Given find themselves fighting to replace Sean Heaney at shortstop. Jake Roy and Jared Archambault will likely compete for the starting job at third. Joe Demelo would like to put Balasco in the outfield with Dominic Semedo, because the two could cover a lot of ground. But this would require a second baseman with the requisite pop at the plate or another possibility the coach is considering. “We might have Balasco in the outfield and hit for whoever’s playing second,” said Joe Demelo, adding “I’m sure they’re not going to like it. I know I wouldn’t like it, but it’s life.” continued on page 6...
See page 84
Seekonk 200th Birthday Events see page 5
Seekonk Tiger Den of Pack 2 recently visited the 92 Pro FM/WPro AM as part of their “How to Tell it” Achievement. They met many of the on air personalities including Mayor Buddy Cianci, recorded a public service announcement and toured the studios.