Seven diamond veterans lead Purple Eagles

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Albion into the upcoming baseball season will be this group of returnees. In front are Chris Sacco, Jacob Hughson and Caden Uderitz. In back are Javon Jones, Dallas Ecker, Amari Jones and Jason Conn.

Anchored by a good group of seven returnees, Albion will begin tuning up for the April 17 Niagara-Orleans League home opener against Medina by visiting Kenmore East in a non league contest on Monday.

The Purple Eagles veteran contingent includes seniors Amari Jones (pitcher/shortstop), Javon Jones (pitcher/infield), Chris Sacco (infield/outfield), Jacob Hughson (outfield), Jason Conn (infield), Caden Uderitz (catcher/outfield) and Dallas Ecker (pitcher/first base).

Amari Jones earned first team N-O All-League honors last spring and Javon Jones was a second team selection.

Albion is also looking to junior outfielders Josh Bovenzi and Jack Kinter and freshman outfielder Kaiden Froman.

“Our pitching looks to be a strong point for us and I think we’ll be better defensively,” said Coach Bruce Blanchard. “The key, as it has been the last couple of years, will be how well we can hit the ball and score runs.”

The Purple Eagles graduation losses included Tyler Gibson (pitcher/shortstop), Brendan Lebaron (outfield), Mason Bennett (outfield) and Cade Wolcott (infield/outfield). In addition, senior first baseman Caleb Fox will not be able to play due to an injury.

Albion wen 6-6 in N-O action last spring.