The Spartans Baseball team returns to the diamond this spring for their 2024-2025 season with great expectations. They look to take the next step this year and get over the hump to claim a sectional title.
The team lost 8 seniors last season, most of whom started on Varsity for three years. With the loss of impactful players, seniors Logan Clarey, Denny Blom, and Jack Taylor will have to take control and lead the team.
The team is coming off of a dominant 14-5 season, but came up short in playoffs with a loss in the sectional quarterfinal.
The team has a tough schedule this year playing some of the top competition in the class including a matchup against Westhill at NBT Bank Stadium in May. The team looks to head into this season and work as hard as they can.
“Every year the goal is to do better than what you did the previous season. We had a very successful regular season, but we did come up short in the playoffs. I feel that we have a determined team and we are excited to get started,” said Clarey.
Last year’s team had a very exciting season beating rival Whitesboro and at the time 11-1 Camden at home both courtesy to walk-off hits by Logan Clarey. They also shared a TVL title with Utica Proctor finishing with a 5-2 TVL record.
The year before, the Spartans fought to the sectional final with a very exciting playoff run but came up short. Last year, the team lost in the first round of playoffs. This year, they look to return to the finals where they know they can compete for a title.
After losing multiple key players that contributed a lot, people are going to have to step up and fill their places.
“Everyone has to buy into what we are doing, and to what we are trying to achieve as a team. Everyone just has to come to work day in and day out. Whether it be winter workouts or in-season practice. We have a standard and we hold each other accountable,” said Clarey.
“We need to have a lot of hard work and dedication to stay focused throughout the season,” said junior Joey Mungari.
After a rough end to the season last year there are a lot of goals and standards being set for this year so this team can have a better outcome than last year’s team.
“My goals for the season are to win a section championship and to help our team win games in every way possible that being in the batter’s box in the outfield or even potentially on the mound,” said senior Blom.
“My goals are to help the team as much as I can wherever I can,” said Mungari.
People can predict seasons for baseball all they want, but baseball is a sport that can be unpredictable.
“What I enjoy most about the baseball season is how no matter what nobody is out, you can be the worst projected team going into the season and come out on top because of how unpredictable baseball is,” said Blom.
The fans should expect a successful season according to players Denny Blom and Logan Clarey.
“I have high hopes for this season because for the last 3 years a core group of kids were New Hartford baseball and now that those kids are gone it’s time for leaders like Logan Clarey, Peyton Way, Johnny Vitullo, and myself to take over a young team and create a positive product,” said Blom.
“I think they should expect a fun team to watch. We are going to have some younger guys on the team, but they will be ready. Our leadership has to step up to the challenge. I think the fans can expect a very successful season from us” said Clarey.
The fans are also excited and have high hopes for this young team to be successful this year.
“I can’t wait to see the games because something exciting always happens. I love watching my friends play and I think the team is gonna be pretty good even though they lost a lot of seniors last year,” said senior Trevor Fobare.
The Spartans have begun winter workouts and are preparing to have a better season than last year.
