Baldwin baseball buys in with 2nd-year coach Plassio

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 12:16 AM

Rocky Plassio's coaching style is firmly entrenched in the Baldwin baseball program.

“We are continuing to build our program and moving in the right direction,” said Plassio, who is in his second season as the Highlanders' field boss. “We are much further along now than we were at this point last year when I first took the job. Our coaching staff has improved tremendously, and the overall interest and enthusiasm in Baldwin baseball has increased significantly.

“We have a lot of good, young players in the program. We feel that if they keep working and applying themselves, this group could help make us a strong team in 6A in the years to come.”

Baldwin finished 9-8 last year but missed the WPIAL playoffs by one game.

Canon-McMillan won last year's section title with a 12-0 record. Peters Township, Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park tied for second with 7-5 marks, followed by Baldwin at 5-7.

“It's still early, but we are hoping to be competitive again this year,” Plassio said. “We realize that most people don't give us much of a chance in a very competitive section, but we believe in what we are doing as a team. Our team is a very close-knit group who will work hard to prove people wrong.”

Last season, Baldwin lost a 1-0 decision to Canon-McMillan and a 2-0 decision to Peters Township. The Highlanders also had a pair of one-run losses against Mt. Lebanon.

“We fell just short of a playoff berth,” Plassio said, “and I'm hopeful we can put ourselves in position to possibly break through and earn one of those highly coveted playoff spots this season. But I know it will be tough. We have been working to improve in all areas of our game, and I think we are going to be very strong defensively all-around. Pitching is an area of concern, but we have been using a bunch of guys in hopes that each of them will be able to find a role in helping make our pitching staff more competitive.

“Of course, we are constantly working to become better hitters and understanding the value and importance that goes into your approach each time you swing the bat. We want every swing to be done with a purpose this preseason, and hopefully that will translate come game time.”

Baldwin suffered heavy graduation losses last year. But there are 11 seniors on the club, including returning starters in Kory Tierney at first base and Jake Monroe at infielder/outfielder.

Andy Sopata, a junior center fielder, also is a returning starter for the Highlanders. Sopata batted close to .400 in 2017.

“We are really working on our hitting and small ball as we look for that to be a very impactful part of our game,” Sopata said. “My teammates and I are looking to have a very successful season. I see our team reaching goals that we have never achieved before. Hard work and dedication off the field, when no one is watching, is where we get better as a whole.

“Personally, I am looking to lead this team both on and off the field with an attitude that shows how the game should be played. I am looking to build off what I accomplished last year, and also continue what the senior class accomplished last year. I want to show others what this team is really made of.”

Senior catcher Trey Luffy and senior infielder Jordan Rush saw significant playing time last season, and senior Jon Otto pitched out of the bullpen.

This year's pitching staff includes junior Harry DePetro, senior Bobby Wolfson, sophomore Nick Dolan, junior Aaron Exler along with Tierney, Sopata, Rush and Otto. DePetro, Wolfson, Dolan and Exler threw significant innings for last year's junior varsity team. Sopata may fill a closer role.

Monroe, who started every game a year ago at either second base, third base or in the outfield, is recovering from a basketball-related injury. He is not expected to be ready to play until somewhere around midseason.

“Jake's versatility was key for us depending on who was pitching,” Plassio said. “We will miss that from him, and we also miss his leadership and work ethic.”

Rush and Dolan are penciled in at the middle infield positions along with Tierney at first base, Exler at third base and Luffy behind the plate. Exler also could play shortstop or an outfield position.

“Aaron is a very versatile player,” Plassio said.

Sopata will anchor the Highlanders' outfield. Seniors Scott Meyer, Jake Panchak and Wolfson have been competing for the corner outfield positions; seniors Caleb Giel, Pete Aul and John Dickson are reserves.

Plassio, a 1995 Norwin and 2000 Pitt graduate, coached for nine years in the Washington baseball program. He had an 87-65 overall record and won four section titles. The Little Prexies qualified for the WPIAL playoffs seven times.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

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