Hampton baseball’s goal: Go from good to great

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, April 2, 2018 | 1:11 AM

Hampton baseball's recent trip to Florida reminded the team of two big things: camaraderie is forged through time spent together. And the tough times the players have endured over the past few years might have this team on the cusp of a special season.

After narrowly missing the playoffs two years ago, the Talbots made a run at the 5A-1 title last season, falling a game short to Mars and North Hills at 9-3 (13-6 overall). With only two major contributors graduated, the Talbots are expecting more than a first-round playoff exit.

“I think we definitely have high expectations,” two-time all-section senior shortstop Phil Conti said. “I think we had some young kids last year that got some experience that will play a bigger part this year, so that's good.”

Hampton spent most of last week in Vero Beach, Fla., competing against high school teams from around the country. After finishing the trip 3-0, senior first baseman/outfielder Greg Susi liked the makeup of the squad on and off the field.

“Confident and hungry are the two words I would describe how we're feeling this season,” he said.

“We've already improved on the camaraderie and the team concept the coach keeps driving at. We've made leaps and bounds to come together as a team. … I think we really came together down there. That can take a good team to a great team.”

Wilson, in his second stint at the helm, has had plenty of success in the past. He made WPIAL title games in 2004 and '10 but lost both before a four-year hiatus. Since his return in 2014, he's eager to return and finish the job.

If that's to happen, he's going to need contributions across the board. The middle of the field could be as good as any in the section, with Conti, a William & Mary commit, joined by junior Kent State commit Tyler Bischke at second, and junior Towson commit Burke Camper behind the plate.

The other end of the battery offers a litany of options. Senior Kevin Morgan established himself as the ace by the end of the season. There are a variety arms behind him in junior Casey Marshalwitz, seniors Chris Suddeth and Michael Schuetz, Susi, Conti, and sophomore Adam Stroud, who surprised many with a complete game in Florida.

“Kevin's proven he can be that guy,” said Wilson. “We feel like (the other) guys can be the core. There's depth. That's what we're liking. It's going to be a battle to see who surfaces.”

Susi doesn't feel it's competition as much as it's players finding a way to contribute.

“I think everyone is willing to work on that staff to play a role to do what needs to be done,” he said. “We need to keep big numbers off the board.”

Marshalwitz will make up a speedy, talented outfield with seniors Andy Kubay and Trent Aguiar, with sophomores Stroud and Will Schuit also in the mix.

But the team won't go far without Conti. He was the team's leading hitter last year and arguably has been the team's MVP since his sophomore campaign.

“He does a great job working with the kids,” Wilson said. “Great teammate, probably the hardest-working kid I've seen. He's developed all around, not just as a player, but a leader and a great representative of the program.”

The infield corners round out with experienced players such as Suddeth, Schuetz, Sean Mikulan and Jon Ibinson.

Hampton will hope to leap over North Hills and Mars, which still figures to be the class of the section.

“That's the way I like it,” Wilson said. “It's competitive. We had some great battles last year, and we're hoping to again this year.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

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