As
2015 marks the fifth season of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball
League (PGCBL), the Adirondack Trail Blazers are looking to make
their 2015 campaign one to remember.
Joining
the PGCBL in 2013, The Trail Blazers have called Booneville, N.Y.,
home since day one. Being the smallest market in the league,
Adirondack has rallied behind a small-knit community that is home to
many loyal fans and host families.
“Our
fans and host families take great care of our guys,” General
Manager Ray DiBrango said. “It shows the dedication and care people
have here in Booneville.”
With
great dedication from around the area, the Trail Blazers have also
been fortunate to have long-term commitment internally. With seven
returning players this year, along with the return of Head Coach Matt
Leahy, veteran status will be a huge part of the Trail Blazers
success in 2015.
With
collegiate and professional coaching experience in his background,
Leahy has demonstrated the success it takes to manage a team over the
summer months. As this season roles on, his leadership with play a
crucial role in the clubs long-term success.
As
leadership plays a huge role for all the teams in the PGCBL, DiBrango
believes the return of his coach and players alike is, “a testament
to how things are ran within the organization.”
With
quality work moving its way through the Adirondack organization from
the past to the present, the Trail Blazers have been a staple in
collegiate summer baseball dating back to before they entered the
PGCBL.
While
the team has been a part of several different New York leagues
throughout their past, they seems to have found a permanent home in
the PGCBL.
“The
PGCBL is a class organization,” DiBrango said. “With tremendous
growth and great teams throughout, we feel the PGCBL is moving in the
right direction as a top league in collegiate summer baseball.”
As
the PGCBL has become more competitive and high-powered over the
years, the Trail Blazers know making a push for their first playoff
berth won’t be easy. With seven returners from a year ago, the team
is be led by infielder Chris Kwitzer, who has been outstanding from
the plate, batting .413, and veteran Brad Jones who has been the
signal caller behind the dish while batting .313 over the course of
the summer thus far.
While
veteran leadership has shown up throughout the season, 2014 Trail
Blazer and collegiate Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Mike
Carter has not.
Sidelined
with a hamstring injury, Carter was recently released by the team
after playing in only one game this year. With a .430 batting average
last season, Carter’s loss has turned into a big blow for a team
that could use a boost in the middle of its lineup.
While
Carter’s absence may be noticeable, it also gives Adirondack’s
depth the chance to steal the spotlight. While most teams in the
PGCBL only return one or two players from past seasons, the Trail
Blazers have leverage in returning seven players that should help
give the team some breathing room as injuries and long weeks start to
take a toll on teams throughout the PGCBL.
“We
have a group of talented guys who have been here before and know how
to win,” outfielder Chris Kwitzer said. “We have a next guy up
mentality.”
With
an unchallenged winning mentality from the clubs core, Adirondack
seems poised to battle their way back towards the top of the PGCBL’s
West Division.
With
an 8-9 record, which places the Trail Blazers two and a half games
back of division leader Elmira, Adirondack knows making a move in the
division is something that needs to happen sooner rather than later.
With
a tight race taking place in late June, the team is optimistic that
anything can happen as long as they continue to positive and play the
way they know how.
“You
have to stay in a positive mindset.” Head Coach Matt Leahy said.
“Keeping the same intensity and winning the day is what proves to
be key in the end.”
With
an uphill battle on the Trail Blazers hands, the PGCBL will test the
team now more than ever as the battle for August’s playoff run
begins.
As
the weather continues to heat up in late June, the question will be
if the Trail Blazers can do the same, looking to leave their mark in
upstate New York.