More depth gives Raiders a boost

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Helping to anchor the lineup for the Barker varsity baseball squad are these Raider veterans. In front are Nathan Heidemann and Shane Gerhardt. In back are Jaret Black, Logan Harris and Aidan Voss.

With a little more depth on the roster, the Barker varsity baseball squad is looking to bounce back from back-to-back 0-12 Niagara-Orleans League campaigns.

Barker’s underclassmen dominated lineup is led by a nucleus of six veterans including senior David Class (outfield), juniors Shane Gerhardt (first base/pitcher), Logan Harris (infield/pitcher) and Nathan Heidemann (catcher/pitcher), sophomore Jaret Black (first base/outfield) and freshman Aidan Voss (shortstop/second base).

The Raiders are also looking to juniors Cole Cain (third base/pitcher), Cole Ecker (outfield), Aidan Pearson (outfield) and Joey Brandt (second base/pitcher) along with sophomores Zach Hill (catcher), Andy Hill (pitcher) and Drew Sandolfini (third base/pitcher).

“Our numbers are a little better and I think well have more offense,” said Coach Rob Mucha. “Hopefully our defense comes along and as always pitching is key. You can never have enough pitching.”

The Raiders graduation losses included Nick Brandt (third base/pitcher), Cole Hanssen (first base/pitcher), Preston Harris (shortstop/pitcher), Dan Ober (outfield) and Zach Richbart (outfield/pitcher).

Along with other area teams Barker is awaiting for schools which are currently closed due to the coronavirus concern to reopen so the schedule can begin. The Raiders had been scheduled to begin N-O competition against Roy-Hart on April 2.