Seasons Gone By

An old team photo from the 1930s that was found in the archives. Some of the boys are looking a little older than those on the team today. Can you help to identify anyone?





Winter workouts will be starting up after break...

Your 2009-2010 Wolverine Baseball Team

BA Championship Bid Comes Up Short

The BA Wolverine baseball team took its unblemished 12-0 record in the New England Club Baseball Association’s into the championship game against two-time defending title holder Northeastern University and came up on the short end of a 9-6 victory for the Huskies. BA struck for two runs in the first and held the lead until Northeastern scored five runs in the third. The Wolverines answered with one in the bottom half of the same inning to close the gap, 5-3. But the Huskies all but slammed the door as they responded with a mammoth three-run homer with two outs in the top of the next inning to jump out to an 8-3 lead. BA scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, and ninth innings, but wasn’t able to mount a sustained offensive attack as they left men in scoring position in three of the last four innings. Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) led all Wolverine hitters with two doubles and two singles. The Wolverines end the fall baseball season with an overall record of 16-2, and 12-1 and runner-up in their first season in the NECBA. “Despite the bittersweet ending, I can’t help but be pleased with our overall effort,” comments head coach Brad Smith. “Our fall schedule is a great addition to our overall program. It will only get better.”

Wolverines Ride Whittemore’s Arm to Championship Game

The BA Wolverine baseball team to one giant step in its quest to capture its first New England Club Baseball Association championship by downing the Terriers from Boston University by a convincing score of 6-0. Wolverine pitching ace Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) was dominate on the mound, hurling a complete game two-hitter on his way to his fifth win of the season. The crafty southpaw retired the first nine BU batters he faced and did not allow a runner to reach second until a two-out double in the sixth. Whittemore was supported greatly by an excellent defensive effort, led by shortstop Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) who made several outstanding plays. Billingham and Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) each aided the offensive cause with a double and a single, while Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) garnered two singles. BA struck first blood in the first with one run, then put the game away in just the second with four more. Coach Brad Smith was pleased with his team’s overall effort. “Will was very effective today mixing his pitches and keeping the ball down. Nick Billingham led a great defensive effort at short, and we were able to get timely hitting. All in all, a solid team effort.” The victory puts the Wolverines against Northeastern University, defending NECBA title winner over the past two seasons, in the championship game on Sunday.

Wolverines Capture Conference Title, #1 Tournament Seed

Not since the University of New Hampshire accomplished the feat in 2001 with a record of 6-0 has a team in the New England Club Baseball Association gone undefeated in the regular season. Now the 2009 Wolverines can stake their claim as they swept three games this weekend to end the season with an unblemished mark of 11-0. In the process, they won the Northern Division title and head into the NECBA championships seeded #1.

In Friday’s game, pitcher Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) was supported by a fifteen hit attack as BA topped Merrimack College 8-4. In the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader, the Wolverines held a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning over Southern Division leader Fairfield University. But Fairfield struck with two runs in the top of the seventh to go up 3-2, but BA struck back with two runs in the home half to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory. Southpaw Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) helped his own cause with a lead off double in the seventh and scored the tying run on a RBI single by Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA). Gold immediately stole second and scored the wining run on Tom MacInnes’ (Plymouth, MA) single to right.

BA’s final game was a 5-2 win over Holy Cross College. MacInnes and reliever Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) limited the Crusaders to two unearned runs. Down 2-0, Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) tied the score in the third inning with a two run double to centerfield. BA added one in the fifth and two in the sixth inning on good base running and a well executed hit-and-run by Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA).

Seeded #1, the Wolverines will take on the winner of the U/Maine-Boston University Saturday afternoon at 2:00. The championship game is slated for Sunday at 11:00 at Clancy Field in Lynn, MA.

Wolverines Tune Up For Big Weekend

A scrimmage may seem unusual in the closing days of the season, but it was just what the doctor ordered as the BA baseball team faces its biggest challenge of the season with four NECBA conference games this weekend. The results of those games will determine whether or not the Wolverines’ season will be extended to the playoffs the following week. “Today’s scrimmage with Frozen Ropes followed a format that we’ve done over the past three years,” commented Coach Smith. “We didn’t even exchange line-up cards. I was more concerned that all of our pitchers threw today after a layoff of almost two weeks.” Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) and Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) each pitched two innings. Then hurlers Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA), Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT), Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), and Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) each threw one inning apiece. Smith added, “These guys need to be game ready at any point in any game this weekend. Different pitchers also allowed us to take a look at different defensive alignments as well, whether it was guys coming off the bench or starters moving to different positions.” The Wolverines open their quest for the Northern Division championship on Friday as they travel to Lynn, MA, to take on Merrimack College at 7:30.

Wolverines Face Formidable Task

With three games lost to Mother Nature this past weekend, the Wolverine baseball team now faces the daunting task of finishing the 2009 fall season by playing five games within a five-day span, beginning on Wednesday. The schedule is as follows:

21 Wednesday Frozen Ropes/Portland 3:30 HOME

23 Friday Merrimack College 7:30 Breed’s Middle School, Lynn, MA

24 Saturday University New Hampshire 12:00 AWAY (Niver Field)

25 Sunday Fairfield University 12:00 Breed’s Middle School, Lynn, MA

Holy Cross College 4:00 Breed’s Middle School, Lynn, MA

“It’s going to be tough,” says BA mentor Brad Smith, “but everyone is pretty much in the same boat. We just need to concentrate on one game at a time.” The NECBA playoffs, which begin on October 31, are still up in the air for the Wolverines, despite an unblemished 8-0 conference record. “We’re certainly in the driver’s seat, but we have no reason to be complacent, because anything can happen.” Smith hopes that the strength of his pitching staff will make a deciding difference. Hurlers Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA), Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH), Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, ME), and Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) are all expected to see action on the mound before the weekend’s over. “The guys are very excited for the challenges that lie ahead. No one would have predicted back when we got together in August that we’d be in this position we’re in right now.” The Wolverines play their final home game of the 2009 fall season this Wednesday at 3:30 (note change from 4:00) against Frozen Ropes/Portland.

Schedule Update

Saturday's Showcase games in Lynn, MA against Holy Cross and Fairfield University have been canceled. No make up date has been scheduled as of now. Sunday's game vs. UNH is still on.

Today's Baseball Game vs. Frozen Ropes Has Been Cancelled

The Wolverines pick up the action again on Saturday against Holy Cross and Fairfield University in Lynn, MA

Botched Play Proves Fortuitous for Wolverines

Seeing a 4-1 lead evaporate in the bottom of the sixth inning, Coach Smith was looking for something to break up the 4-4 tie with Merrimack College as the Wolverines came to bat in the eighth. The BA offense had been silent since the fifth as Merrimack’s pitcher had set the sides down in order in both the sixth and seventh innings. In the top of the eighth with one out, Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) walked, stole second, and advanced to third on Ryan Varounis’ (Burlington, MA) sacrifice. With two outs, Smith signaled for a suicide squeeze, a risky play with two outs, hoping to catch the Merrimack defense off guard. With a 1-1 count on Zach Vorous (St. Charles, IL), Billingham broke for home. The Warrior pitcher recognized the play and attempted to adjust his pitch. In his attempt to do so, the pitch went high and Vorous was unable to bunt it; fortunately, the Merrimack catcher was unable to catch it, and Billingham scored on the passed ball with the winning run. Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) pitched a solid two-plus innings for starter Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) to pick to a critical NECBA conference win. The doubleheader sweep puts the Wolverines at 12-1 and 8-0 in conference play. The Wolverines get ready for a Wednesday game at Portland Frozen Ropes.

Wolverines Down Merrimack in Conference Showdown

The BA Wolverines took advantage of solid hitting and a shaky Merrimack College defense as they took the first game of a big NECBA conference doubleheader by the score of 11-0. Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) rebounded nicely from a tough-luck defeat against Central Maine CC with a nifty two hit shutout. Whittemore struck out eight, including the sides in the third, and did not walk a batter as he notched his fourth win of the season. The BA bats wasted no time as they plated four runs in the first, two in the second, three in the third, and two in the fourth, putting this in the books in a game that took just over an hour to complete. Supporting Whittemore’s effort was Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) with two hits and three runs scored. Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) added two hits of his own, including a RBI double in the first. BA’s record now stands at 11-1 and 7-0 in the NECBA conference.

Schedule Change

Please note the game scheduled for Saturday, Home against Merrimack College has been postponed. A makeup date is TBA. The Sunday doubleheader originally scheduled to be played at Merrimack, will be played at HOME.

Wednesday's Game Canceled

This Wednesday's game v Oxford Hills U-18 has been canceled. No reschedule date has been set. The next game for the Wolverines is set for Saturday against Merrimack at home.

Central Maine Ends Wolverine Win Streak at Ten

Avenging an earlier 3-2 loss, the Mustangs of Central Maine Community College combined excellent pitching and timely hitting to defeat the Wolverines 6-0 on Friday afternoon at Holman Diamond. CMCC jumped on BA starter Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) for all the runs they needed as they scored two runs in the first on a towering home run to right field. Facing one of the toughest pitchers to date, the BA bats were pretty much silent throughout the entire game and were unable to mount any offensive attack. Now 10-1 and 6-0 in NECBA conference play, the Wolverines face Oxford Hills U-18 under the lights at the Field of Dreams Field in Harrison on Wednesday before taking on Merrimack College in the unusual three-game set with a single home game on Saturday and a doubleheader at Merrimack on Sunday.

Wolverine Victory Not a Perfect "10"

It took five innings of lackluster baseball to shake off the rust of inactivity due to weather, but the Wolverines were able to muster two solid innings, scoring four runs in the sixth and seventh to come away with a 10-1 victory over NECBA opponent, the University of New England. The Seahawks jumped on starter Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) for their only run in the first inning and held a slim lead until the Wolverines tied it in the third as Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) scored on a UNE error. The eventual game winning run came the very next inning as Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) walked, stole second, and scored on a sharp RBI single by Zach Vouros (St. Charles, IL). The Wolverine bats came to life in the last two frames as they batted around the order in both frames, thanks largely to a porous UNE defense. The win is the tenth straight for the Wolverines who are 6-0 and atop the Northern Division in the New England Club Baseball Association. Next up for BA is a non-conference home contest against Central Maine Community College on Friday at 3:30.

#33 Tad Gold collected two doubles in helping BA defeat UNE 10-1

#12 Mike Murphy is congratulated after scoring a run

#50 Tom MacInnes delivers a pitch against UNE

May Brilliant in Wolverines’ Win

In the finest pitching performance of the 2009 fall season, Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) tossed a masterful one-hitter as the Wolverine baseball team rolled to its ninth win in a row, defeating the Seawolves of Southern Maine Community College by the score of 3-0. May threw eighty-four pitches and faced just twenty-two batters over seven innings as he retired the Seawolves in order in first, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings en route to his third win of the season. Striking out only four SMCC batters, the crafty righty was supported by a stellar effort by the entire Wolverine defense. Offensively, BA scored all the runs they needed in the first inning as Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME), Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT), Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA), and Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) all singled, plating Stauber, Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA), and MacInnes. The Wolverine will now prepare for Fairfield University (1:00) and Holy Cross College (4:00) in the NECBA Showcase this Sunday in Lynn, MA.

#1 Dustin Brown swings at a pitch Wednesday in Bridgton's 3-0 win against SMCC

Zach Vouros collects a throw at first base

Gabe May delivers a pitch Wednesday, during his complete game, one-hit shutout of SMCC

Coach Smith looks on as his team has now won nine in a row

Wolverines Sweep UNH in Thriller, 6-5

Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) pitched masterfully, striking out a season high ten UNH batters, as the BA Wolverines completed a doubleheader sweep of the University of New Hampshire. Brown held the Wildcats a bay for six innings, yielding just one unearned run while setting at least one batter down on strikes in every inning. BA scored a single run in the second, two in the third, and one in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead into the seventh inning. But the Wildcats would not go away. Taking advantage of a tiring Brown, UNH answered the bell as they scored four runs to take a 5-4 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Varounis (Burlington, MA) led off with a single to center. With two outs, Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) was intentionally walked. Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) singled to left, scoring Varounis with the tying run. Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) then ripped a sharp grounder to the second baseman who misplayed the ball, scoring MacInnes with the winning run. The win puts BA atop of the Northern Conference standings with a record 5-0, 8-0 overall. The Wolverines get a well deserved day off tomorrow before prepping for their next home game Wednesday against Southern Maine Community College.

Wolverines Rally, Nip Wildcats, 8-7

Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) came in relief of Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) in just the second inning, but once again, slammed the door, giving the Wolverines the chance to storm back to take the first game of big conference doubleheader by the score of 8-7. Down 6-2 in the second, the Wolverines came storming back with five runs in the bottom of the inning as they went small ball scoring two runs on consecutive suicide bunts by Zack Vouros (St. Charles, IL) and Whittemore to take the lead, 7-6. But the Wildcats pushed across a single run in the top of the sixth to knot the score at seven, setting up the dramatic bottom of the seventh. Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA) led things off with a sharp single to left. A Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) walk and Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) single loaded the bases with no outs. With one out and UNH expecting another squeeze bunt, Whittemore took a 2-2 pitch and drove a single to left, scoring Gummow with the winning run. Now 7-0, the Wolverines look for a sweep over the perennial NECBA powerhouse in the second game.

Wolverines Sink Navy Prep, 8-6

The BA Wolverine baseball team rolled to its sixth win in a row, downing Navy Prep by the score of 8-6. The Wolverines quickly erased a 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs on a Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) triple and doubles by Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) and Drew Gummow (Brookline, MA). BA hurler Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) toed the rubber, going four innings and striking out five to pick up his second win of the season. Navy Prep made the game interesting in the fourth as they plated three runs to close the BA lead to two runs, but a solid relief effort from Dustin Brown (Falmouth, MA) kept the fire from spreading. Both teams traded runs in the final two frames. BA’s final run came on a well-executed suicide squeeze by Ryan Varounis (Burlington, MA), that scored MacInnes who had tripled. MacInnes was the big offensive gun for the home team as he smacked two doubles and two triples in four plate appearances. The Wolverines have no time to rest as they gear up for a big conference doubleheader tomorrow at Dolman Diamond against the University of New Hampshire.

Wolverines Eek Out Gutsy 3-2 Win

Sparked by an inspirational pitching performance by lefty Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA), the BA Wolverines, down 2-0 in the first inning, scored single runs in the third, fourth, and seventh innings to win their fifth game in dramatic fashion over the Mustangs of Central Maine Community College by the score of 3-2. Whittemore faced seven batters in the home half of the first, giving up two runs on three hits in what had all the making for a long night for the Wolverines. From that point on, the crafty lefty slammed the door on the Mustangs, yielding just four hits. The BA defense played virtually errorless ball the entire game, with shortstop Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) and second baseman Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) turning in stellar performances.

BA broke ahead in the top of the seventh with one out as Billingham singled to center. After a Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) out, Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) singled to center. Then designated hitter Mike Bullett (Stamford, VT) promptly drove a single to right, scoring Billingham on a very close play at the plate. Whittemore retired the sides in the seventh to pick up his second win of the season. Now 5-0, the Wolverines prepare for home game with Navy Prep on Saturday and a key NECBA conference doubleheader against the University of New Hampshire on Sunday.

Will Whittemore, delivered a complete game gem for the Wolverines

Tom MacInnes sparked a two out rally in the 7th

BA Starts Slow, Finishes Fast, Tops UNE, 16-6

Showing the effects of a long bus ride the day before was evident as the BA Wolverine baseball team found themselves on the short side of 5-2 score after two and a half innings at the hands of NECBA opponent, the University of New England. But the cobwebs lifted in the third inning, as the Wolverines pushed across three runs on RBI singles by Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA) and Zach Vouros (St. Charles, IL) to tie the score at five. Base hits by Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) and Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) loaded the bases for Tad Gold (Vineyard Haven, MA) who took a two-strike pitch deep and long to right field for a grand slam home run, punctuating a nine-run third and an 11-5 lead. BA hurler Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) gave up just one run in the first two frames before running into problems in the third, but rebounded well in the fourth, slamming the door on UNE with the bases loaded. John Doyle (Cockeysville, MD) pitched well in relief as the Wolverines added two runs in the fourth and three in the fifth on a bases-clearing double by Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) to win this one going away, 16-6. The 4-0 Wolverines get a much needed rest as they prepare for non-conference opponent Central Maine Community College under the lights this Thursday in Auburn.

Wolverines Down Black Bears for Doubleheader Sweep

The Wolverines combined timely hitting, good defense, and solid pitching as they took the second game from the University of Maine by the score of 6-2. BA batters picked up where they left off from the first game with five hits in the first two innings to take an early 3-0 lead. Good defense snuffed out scoring opportunities for both teams in the third and fourth inning, but Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA) opened the top of the fifth with a mammoth solo home run high over the 340 mark in left center. Wolverine pitcher Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) held the Black Bears with just one hit over the first four innings, but tired in the fifth as Maine pushed two runners across to closed the gap to 4-2. But the Wolverines responded with two runs in the top of the sixth to put the game out of reach. Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA) came in relief in the bottom of the sixth and retired all six batters his faced. The Wolverines are now 3-0, 2-0 in conference play, host conference opponent the University of New England with a home contest at Dolman Diamond this Sunday at 12:00 noon.

Nick Billingham unloads on a home run in the 5th inning

Wolverines Impressive in First Conference Win

The Wolverine baseball team made its 2009 debut in the New England Club Baseball Association in fine fashion with an impressive 13-0 win over the University of Maine in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Hampden Academy. Much credit goes to pitcher Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), who spun a masterful four-hit shutout while recording thirteen strikeouts in just six innings. MacInness set the sides down in order in the first and fourth innings and was in complete command for his first win of the year. The Wolverines pounded out nine hits and scored in every inning but the fifth, and put the game away with six runs in the sixth inning. Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA) led the hit parade with three hits and four RBI’s. The win is the second in as many games for the Wolverines as they look to sweep the Black Bears in the second game of the conference opener doubleheader.

Tom MacInnes delivers a pitch during game one of the doubleheader. MacInnes threw a 4H, 13K complete game shutout #16 Andrew Gummow was 3-4 with 4RBI's

Bridgton Academy Takes Double Header Against UMaine Club

Bridgton Academy baseball hit the road to take on the University of Maine club baseball team in a double header. Bridgton took the first game in six innings, with a score of 13 - 0. UMaine battled back in the second game to keep it a bit closer, but Bridgton prevailed with a 6-2 victory.

Check back for a complete game recap and photos.

Wolverines Top Seawolves in Season Opener

The BA Wolverines exploded for seven runs in the second inning, and then held off Southern Maine Community College for five more innings in route to a 9-5 victory at the South Portland campus. BA southpaw Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA) held the Seawolves pretty much in check for 6 1/3 innings with a very strong performance, scattering six hits while striking out five. The big inning started with one out in the top of the second as Zach Vauros (St. Charles, IL) singled home Mike Bullett (Stanford, VT) with the first run to tie the game, 1-1. With the bases loaded, Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) was hit by a pitch that scored Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA). A Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME) RBI single kept the bases loaded for Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA) who unloaded a base-clearing triple to right field to up the score to 6-1. Two batters later, Bullett launched a triple deep to left, scoring MacInnes with the seventh run. Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH) came in relief in the seventh with the bases loaded and one out to shut down the Seawolves attack for the save. The Wolverines open their NECBA conference season as they travel to Hampden Academy on Saturday for a noontime doubleheader against University of Maine.

Will Whittemore delivers a pitch in route to leading BA to a win in the season opener

Season Opener Vs. SMCC

Bridgton Academy opened their fall baseball season with a 9-5 victory over Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) with a score of 9-5. Complete game recap to follow.

Season Preview

The Bridgton Academy baseball program starts a new chapter this fall, as the Wolverines will have a full fall baseball season for the first time in recent memory. Bridgton will be competing in the New England Club Baseball Association. The league consists of 14 teams, competing in three divisions, with a championship to follow regular season play. Bridgton is the only non-college or university team in the league. At the helm for his 12th year as head coach, Brad Smith and the Wolverines are coming off of back to back record setting spring seasons in ’08 and ’09 that saw them go 16-5 and 18-5 respectively.

Coach Smith is excited and optimistic about the addition of a full fall schedule saying, "On paper, this upcoming season should be the most challenging in the school's history for the simple reason that aside from Navy Prep, we play all colleges. Every game will be a challenge. But rather than dwelling on the fact that BA is the only prep school among thirteen colleges, we have developed the mind set that we're playing against nine guys and if we play well, we'll be successful."

The Wolverines schedule consists of 20 games, 12 conference games, with the remainder being filled in by local community colleges, and all star teams. Bridgton opens up their season on Wednesday the 9th against the Southern Maine Community College Sea Wolves, in South Portland. The home opener is slated for Sunday the 13th versus University of New England.

Joining Coach Smith will be first year assistants Troy Guidone, and Karl Olson. Guidone will be working with the infielders, while Olson will handle the pitching staff. Coach Smith is excited to have two assistants saying, “Both Troy and Karl have been tremendous additions to the program. Both have college playing experience at key positions: middle infield and pitching. Their collective efforts have certainly enhanced the level of coaching our guys receive."

The Wolverine roster includes 15 players, many of whom will factor in at various positions. Carrying the catching load will be Andrew Gummow (Brookline, MA), and Ryan Varounis (Burlington, MA) as they look to split duties behind the plate. Vying for starting spots in the middle infield positions and at third base are Sam Stauber (Cumberland, ME), Dustin Brown (East Falmouth, MA), and Nick Billingham (Edgartown, MA). All three could see additional time on the mound. First base will be by committee, as Zach Vouros (St. Charles, IL), Nate Palazzola (Gloucester, MA), and Johnny Doyle (Cockeysville, MD) are expected to see time. Returning as the veteran presence in the outfield will be Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA), joining Murphy are Tad Gold (Vinyard Haven, MA), Tom MacInnes (Plymouth, MA), Gabe May (Portsmouth, NH), and Will Whittemore (Waltham, MA). The pitching staff looks to be deep with Whittemore, MacInnes, and Stauber seeing starting roles. May, Vorous, Billingham, and Doyle will see time out of the bullpen. Coming off of injuries and rehabbing, are Mike Bullet (Stamford, VT) and Mike Finnegan (Bow, NH). Once healthy, Bullet should slide into a starting spot in the rotation. Finnegan will see time as a utility player.

Smith believes his team can be successful with the key being; they play well defensively, not allow the other team extra outs and get some timely hitting.
Coach Smith added that the league will, "prepare these guys to play college baseball. That fact alone should be a great motivating factor for every player. It should be a great opportunity for our guys to play in front of college coaches."

Fall Ball Underway

The Bridgton Academy baseball team is out on the field once again and looking forward to a good fall ball season. This year the team will be competing in the NECBA (New England Club Baseball Association) playing club teams from UCONN, UMO, UNH, Yale and many other great schools.

Bridgton will get the season underway on September 12th against UMO.

A couple of shots from today's practice.

Warming up the arm.
Getting ready for batting practice.

Coach Smith On The Road

Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th Coach Smith will be at Tufts University of the TPX Top 96 Showcase. If you're around and want to catch up with Coach Smith or find out more about Wolverine baseball swing by and say hello.

2009 Fall Baseball Schedule Now Up

The 2009-2010 Wolverine Baseball team will be playing a full fall schedule. The games, as currently confirmed, are listed here.

Do you want to be the one writing these posts?

Bridgton Academy is looking for a Sports Information Intern for the upcoming academic year. This is a great opportunity to get an intensive year of writing and photographing Wolverine games, working with student athletes on a number of levels, getting your work published both in print and online, and having a great year in general.

Here is the official posting:
Position Available: Sports Information Intern

Bridgton Academy, the nation’s premier postgraduate boarding school for young men, seeks a Sports Information Intern for the 2009-2010 academic year. Bridgton Academy's mission is to provide a program for young men in a unique, one-year postgraduate environment to prepare for the rigors of college and beyond.

Sports Information interns are fully involved in all aspects of Bridgton’s postgraduate year. The program is very demanding of one’s time, talents, and energy. The internship is designed to be an introduction to the sports information profession, especially in the private boarding school/college environment, focusing on a combination of responsibilities, including sports reporting/writing, photography, videography, web content management, sports information management, team or club coaching, and residential life leadership. Interns will receive structured support and career advice from faculty mentors.

The Intern position is a nine month appointment: August 15, 2009 – May 15, 2010. Compensation includes stipend, residence hall accommodations, school term meals, and school vacations.

Candidates should submit a letter of introduction, resume, and three letters of reference to Mrs. Susan Cole, Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 292, North Bridgton, ME 04057. Alternatively, applications may be submitted by email to scole@bridgtonacademy.org. The position will remain open until filled. For further information, visit our web site at www.bridgtonacademy.org.


Maybe you'll be the one bringing Wolverine Athletics to the world next year!

Wolverine Baseball Players Receive Awards

Four of this year's Wolverines Baseball team members received awards during last weekends Graduation events. Nate Cook, Gavin Scott, Brandon Dutch, and Monte Marrocco all were recognized either Friday or Saturday and we wanted to wish a special Congratulations to them all and best of luck with all of their future endeavors!!



Monte Marrocco receives his award from Head Baseball Coach Brad Smith.



Top Left to Right: Monte Marrocco and Gavin Scott
Bottom Left to Right: Nate Cook and Brandon Dutch

Cook Dominant in Season Finale

BA pitcher Nathan Cook (Riverside, SC) ended his baseball season in dramatic fashion as he held St. Joseph’s College to just four hits and three runs over six innings then unloaded a grand slam home run in the sixth as the Wolverines climaxed a record season with a very impressive 8-3 win over the Monks. BA batters were able to pick away at St. Joe’s pitching, scoring single runs in the second, third, and fourth innings to mount a 3-0 lead. A change in pitching in the sixth brought good fortune to the Wolverines as lead off batter Monte Marrocco (Winchester, MA) was hit by a pitch, Sean Gavin (Keene, NH) followed with a single, then Brandon Dutch (Monroe, CT) was also hit by a pitch to load the bases for Cook. Cook ran the count to 2-0, and then sent the next pitch high over the 350’ mark in left field to clear the bases. It was Cook’s sixth home run of the season – setting a new BA record. The Monks came back with two in the bottom of the sixth, but it was too little, too late. Gavin Scott (Vienna, VA) came in to close the seventh, striking out the first two batters he faced and ending the game on an infield out. The 2009 Wolverines, considered by Coach Brad Smith as one of the strongest in BA history, end their season with a record-high eighteen wins and only five losses.

BA Tops Tilton, Sets Win Record

The BA Wolverines scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to overcome a one run deficit to beat a fine Tilton School team by the score of 4-3 in their final home game of the season. After the teams traded one run in the first inning, BA added one in the second as Brian Murray (Burlington, MA) lead off with a double. Anthony Jimenez (Agawam, MA) moved Murray to third on a nice sacrifice bunt, and Murray later scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA). Tilton came back to tie with one run in the third and then took the lead, 3-2, in the fifth. Nathan Cook (Riverside, SC) doubled to lead off the bottom of the sixth and promptly scored on Bobby William’s (Wilmot Falls, MA) single to left. Williams then scored the winning run when Pete Creamer (Groveland, MA) reached on an infield error. Williams went the distance on the mound for the Wolverines, striking out ten batters while scattering just three hits. The win sets a new school record for most victories in a season at seventeen, breaking the old record set just last year. The 2009 season comes to an end tomorrow as the Wolverines travel down 302 to St. Joseph’s College for a 4:00 contest.

Wolverines Top Lumberjacks for Regular Season Conference Championship

The BA Wolverines captured their tenth regular season conference championship in eleven years under Coach Brad Smith with a well-earned come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Hebron Academy. Hebron pitching tied up the BA bats over the first three innings as five Wolverines went down on strikes. With Hebron holding on to a 1-0 lead and with one out in the fourth, Myles Brown (Cope, SC) doubled to center and later tied the game up as he scored on Monte Marrocco’s single to left. The deciding inning came one frame later as BA pushed across two more runs as Nathan Cook’s (Riverside, SC) sacrific fly scored Mike Murphy (Lancaster, MA) and a hit batsman with the bases loaded scored Brandon Dutch (Munroe, CT) with the third and final run. Once again the victory was fueled by effective pitching as Barrett Elliott (Foxborough, MA) pitched five strong innings, giving up a single run while scattering four hits. Lane Garvey (Marlbourough, MA) came in from the bullpen and slammed the door on the Hebron offense in the sixth and seventh innings to seal the win. The victory is the sixteenth of the year which ties the school record, set just last year, for wins in a season. The Wolverines have a chance to make a little history of their own as they host the Tilton School this Wednesday at 3:15.

Wolverines Survive Seawolves Scare for 15th Win

The adage, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” was never more evident today as the Wolverines staved off a ferocious six-run sixth inning rally by the nationally ranked Southern Maine Community College Seawolves to win their fifteenth game of the season, 13-11. The day didn’t start well for the home club as SMCC took a quick 2-0 in the top of the first. However, the Wolverines bats responded with four runs in the first, four in the second, two in the third, and three more in the fourth to open what seemed like a confortable 13-2 lead. Down but not out, the Seawolves scored three runs in the fifth off of a tiring Sean Mullaney (Newton, MA) who held the Seawolves scoreless in the second, third and fourth frames. Coach Brad Smith then called Zach Walker (Hingham, MA) out of the bullpen to close the sixth and final inning. Several key hits and some defensive lapses made the game interesting as the Seawolves rallied with six to make the score 13-11 and had the tying run at the plate when the final out was made. The victory gives the Wolverines a chance to tie the school record for most wins in a season as they host the Lumberjacks of Hebron Academy in a MAISAD conference game Tuesday at 4:00.



Wolverines Starter Sean Mullaney delivers a pitch.


Wolverines Catcher Peter Creamer blocks the plate and applies the tag to end the inning.


Sean Gavin and Monte Marrocco get the double play started...


And the turn...


And the delivery...

TIME CHANGE 4/27 VS SMCC, Game moved from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM

This afternoons game versus SMCC has been changed from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Navy Prep Ends Wolverines’ Ten-Game Winning Streak

The BA baseball team, winner of ten straight games and thirteen of their last fourteen, had their win streak come to an end today as they lost to a determined Navy Prep squad by the score of 6-3. Wolverine starting pitcher Gavin Scott (Vienna, VA) scattered eight hits and struck out eight, but admittedly was not as sharp as he’s been in previous outings. However, the Wolervine offense which has been averaging over twelve runs per game was uncharacteristically quiet as it was limited to only seven hits and failed to respond to several key scoring opportunities. The loss brings their record to 14-5. A key game is on slate for Monday as the Seawolves of Southern Maine Community College, sporting one of their best teams in recent history, come to North Bridgton for a 4:00 contest. The Wolverines hope to avenge a heartbreaking 6-5 loss earlier in the season.




Murray Makes the throw from the outfield.


Marrocco flips the ball to Gavin.


Tough out at 3rd base during a BA rally.

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BA puts on the hit and run...


Gavin on the mound.


Gavin covers the plate on a passed ball.


Creamer protecting home plate.


Playing the bunt.

Wolverines Top Navy Prep in Doubleheader Opener

Nathan Cook (Riverside, SC) pitched a brilliant three-hit shutout, and then supplied much of the offense as the Wolverines took Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader with Navy Prep by the score of 9-0. Cook retired the sides in the second, fourth and fifth innings, and had the NP hitters off balanced with a mixture of fast balls and off-speed pitches all day long, striking out a season high twelve batters. The Wolverines got on the board with one run in the first and three in the second on key hits by Bobby Williams (Wilmot Falls, MA) and Mookie Nelson (Randolph, MA). Cook helped his own cause with a key two RBI single in the fourth then put the icing on the cake with another two RBI single in the sixth. Besides Cook, Williams, Nelson, and Brandon Dutch (Munroe, CT) were repeat hitters for the Wolverines.

BA Tops Huskies 8-4 in Conference Showdown

It is not often that a former governor, a current governor, and a United States Senator are in attendance when the Wolverines take the field. However, all three were among the hundred or so spectators on hand on the Kents Hill campus for the dedication of Peter McKernan Field. After the thirty-minute ceremony, the Wolverines wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Nathan Cook’s (Riverside, SC) booming ground rule double plated Monty Marocco (Winchester, MA) with the first run. BA scored three more times in the next inning as Myles Brown (Cope, SC) delivered a solid two RBI single to push the lead to 3-1 and then scored himself on a sacrifice fly by Sean Gavin (Keene, NH). Brown figured in the next three runs as his plated two more runners with a double in the second and a triple in the seventh, then scored the eighth run in the same inning. BA pitcher Bobby Williams (Wilmot Falls, MA) started slowly but got stronger as the game went along, giving up just four hits while setting down a dozen on strikes for a complete game win. The victory assures the Wolverines of at least a share of the regular season conference title. BA takes their 13-4 record back home to face a very tough Navy Prep nine in a Sunday doubleheader beginning at noon.

BA Shows Depth in Pitching

Wolverine hurlers Billy Kenyon (Avon, CT) and Anthony Jimenez (Agawam, MA) combined to limit the Huskies of New Hampton School to just one hit and a single run while getting tons of run support as BA put this one to bed in five innings by a score of 15-1. Kenyon got the nod for his first start of the year and pitched effectively, retiring the sides in order for the first two frames and giving up one run in the third. Jimenez silenced the Husky bats in the fourth and fifth as he retired the sides in both innings. The BA bats supported the fine pitching efforts with eleven hits and fifteen runs. After a scoreless first inning, the Wolverines broke through with four runs in the second, and then put the game out of reach with nine in the third and two in the fourth. Monte Marrocco (Winchester, MA) and Nathan Cook (Riverside, SC) each collected two hits and knocked in three RBI’s apiece. Brian Murray (Burlington, MA) and Bobby Williams (Wilmot Falls, MA) also garnered two hits apiece. Now 12-4, the Wolverines are on the road Saturday as they take on conference foe, Kents Hill School, at 1:00.


Myles Brown trying to put down a bunt.


Myles Brown getting high fives from teammates after scoring a run for BA.


Brian Murray steals second.


Brian Murray scores another run for the Wolverines.


Mookie Nelson connects for a hit.


Mookie Nelson strikes a pose.


Monte Marrocco with part of the infield still on his uniform.


Monte Marrocco collects an RBI.


Nathan Cook runs around the bases.


Coach Smith talking to the team.


Bobby Williams connects for a hit.