COLUMBUS: Young Greyhounds gaining experience

Baseball showing potential

By Bob Nuse, The Packet Group
   Rick Doppler knows he has a young baseball team at Northern Burlington High School this season.
   He also knows that could bode well for the future.
   ”We’re very young,” Doppler said. “We start two freshmen and a sophomore in the infield. But we still want to play as many tough teams as we can to get the experience and improve for the future. We have some tough games coming up with New Egypt and them we have Holy Cross and Florence this weekend.
   ”We’ve made some mistakes, but we’re improving as well. I think in the long run it will pay dividends and give us experience. We have some juniors and seniors who are contributing as well.”
   The Greyhounds have shown signs of being a good team this year and not having to wait for the young talent to develop. Last Thursday, freshman Zach Gakeler tossed a three-hitter in a 5-3 win over Moorestown, which was highlighted offensively by a three-run home run by catcher Mike Kendell.
   ”Zach has pitched eight innings for us so far and done pretty well,” Doppler said. “We have a bunch of guys who have played well. Dan Hornyak in the outfield threw two runners out at the plate against Maple Shade and he also has a batting average around .400.
   ”Jay Roman has played well in the outfield. Kodi Doyle has been playing shortstop and is our leadoff hitter. Everybody has been doing their job and done their part to help the team.”
   The schedule won’t be easy in the coming weeks, but Doppler knows that can only help the team develop.
   ”We want to play the tough teams, that is how you get better,” he said. “We’ve got some good young players that are going to develop with experience.”