Rams seek to end diamond title drought

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 April 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Mike Wertman – Roy-Hart Coach Dan Budziszewski meets here with tri-captains Josh Baptiste, CJ Fitch and Andy Xapsos as the Rams prep for the up coming Niagara-Orleans League season.

Boasting a veteran laden lineup, Roy-Hart is taking aim at ending a 60 plus year Niagara-Orleans League baseball title drought.

“We’ve been looking forward to this,” said Roy-Hart Coach Dan Budziszewski whose Rams are seeking the school’s first N-O diamond title since 1953. “This is probably the best group of 15 kids we’ve ever had. We’re really solid all the way through and I expect we will be very good this year.”

Junior pitcher/infielder Andy Xapsos, who earned first team N-O All-League honors, and senior catcher/pitcher CJ Fitch, who was a second team All-League selection, head the Rams large veteran contingent which also includes seniors Josh Baptiste (centerfield), Cole Gregson (first base), Andy Jacobs (shortstop/pitcher), Aaron Metz (outfield/pitcher), Sam White (outfield), Jordan Duell (outfield) and junior Justin Heschke (third base). Baptiste and Jacobs both received All-League Honorable Mention.

The Rams are also counting on junior Joe Nolan (pitcher/outfield) and freshman Alex Xapsos (middle infield).

“I expect our seniors will be ready to lead us,” said Budziszewski. “We should hit well, we’ll be solid defensively and we’ve got eight guys who can pitch.”

The Rams are scheduled to begin their title quest at home on Wednesday against Akron.

Roy-Hart’s Schedule

April 6 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
April 7 – at Cleve Hill, 4:30 p.m.
April 8 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
April 9 – at Barker, 4:45 p.m.
April 13 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
April 15 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 17 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.
April 20 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.
April 22 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 24 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 28 – Cleve Hill, 4:30 p.m.
April 29 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.
May 1 – at CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
May 4 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
May 6 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
May 8 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May 11 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
May 13 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
May 19 – at Tonawanda, 4:45 p.m.