Despite Key Departures, Nauset Baseball Has High Hopes Ahead Of Labonte’s Second Season

The Nauset baseball team graduated eight seniors from last year’s squad, saw two more players transfer to prep schools, and another decided to sit out this spring to pursue other passions. 

 Still, second-year coach Brett Labonte is optimistic that the Warriors will return enough talent to build on last year’s 15-7 season, which ended with a 3-0 loss to Oakmont — the eventual state champion — in the second round of the Division 3 state tournament. 

 “We lost about 10 guys from last year’s roster,” said Labonte, “but at the same time, we’re bringing back a ton of players that contributed in some way.”

 Labonte enters his second season with the program more familiar with the players and the challenges that come with preparing for a season in North Eastham. Although poor weather kept the Warriors inside throughout much of tryouts last week, Labonte was encouraged with the progress he’s seen during the preseason.

 “So far, it’s been good. We look good,” Labonte said. “We’ve been stuck inside, which is tough, but we’ve had a lot of kids working hard during the offseason in the weight room and doing some extra stuff on their own to get ready. 

“Right now, the arms look alive, which is good for mid-March, and the bats are coming along a little better than we expected.”

Labonte expects junior Jake Doherty to anchor the pitching staff after gaining valuable experience as Nauset’s No. 2 starter last season, while senior Paul Alves and junior Emmet Blatz provide the Warriors with valuable experience as catchers. 

“Both catchers and a couple of relief guys will jump into starting roles as pitchers and in the field,” said Labonte. “We have solid returning guys coming back. We’re kind of a young team experience-wise, but I think we should be really competitive.”

Even with so many new faces, Labonte said the Warriors are already making strides from his debut season. He’s also optimistic that the experience of competing against two-time defending state champion Oakmont will help set the tone and serve as a reminder to the returning players.

“It’s huge after last year,” he said. “To have a bunch of guys back who played in that game and know what that feeling is like is big for us.”

As the Warriors prepare to host Bishop Stang in their season opener at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eldredge Park, Labonte feels as though the team is more equipped to begin the season on a strong note.

“The biggest difference for me is hitting the ground running,” Labonte said. “I know what I want practice to look like everyday, even with the struggles of being inside. Not that we were unprepared last year, but there’s definitely a feeling of more confidence heading into this second year.”