Albion ‘9’ returns veteran laden lineup

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 March 2019 at 10:15 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s veteran group includes, from left, Michael DCureia, Thomas Furmanski, Vincent Zona and Liam Ward.

After finishing in a share of the runner-up spot last year at 8-4, Albion returns a large veteran contingent with which to challenge for top Niagara-Orleans League baseball honors this spring.

The Purple Eagles veteran contingent includes seniors Bryce Pritchard (pitcher), Vincent Zona (outfield/pitcher), Isiah Callicutt (outfield),  Addison Christ (infield/pitcher) and John DePuy (outfield) along with juniors Thomas Furmanski (pitcher/infield), Liam Ward (catcher/pitcher) and Michael DiCureia (outfield/pitcher).

Furmanski, Ward and Pritchard all earned first team N-O All-League honors last spring.

The Purple Eagles are also looking to junior Patrick Ricker (infield/catcher) and sophomore Alex Gibson (outfield).

“Our expectations are high. This is the year we’ve been waiting for,” said Coach Bruce Blanchard. “We’ve got eight legit pitchers so we’ve got a lot of depth on the hill. Pitching is our strength and our defense should be strong. The key is on offense if we can get the timely hits.”

Albion, which went 13-5 overall last spring, is scheduled to begin N-O competition on April 8 at Barker.

Schedule
(Games at 4:45 unless noted)
April: 2 – Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.; 3 – Holley, 5 –  Elba, 8 – at Barker, 10 – Medina, 12 – at Akron, 15 – Wilson, 23 – Aquinas, 25 – Kenmore East, 12 p.m.; 27 – at Notre Dame, 12 p.m.; 29 – at Roy-Hart.
May: 1 – Newfane; 3 – Barker; 6 – at Medina; 8 – at Akron; 10 – at Wilson, 14 – at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.; 15 – Roy-Hart; 17 – at Newfane; 18 – Pembroke, 2 p.m. at Medina’s Vets Park.

The Purple Eagles veteran group also includes John DePuy, Isaih Callicutt, Addison Christ and Bryce Pritchard.