Versage, Arenberg to Lead Panther Baseball Squad

Veteran Middle Township baseball coach Chuck Dougherty admits to having been blessed with many talented ballplayers over the years. He’s nurtured the younger athletes and cultivated the natural abilities of upperclassmen who take what they’ve been taught and use their natural abilities to blossom.
This season, the Panthers will rely upon gifted seniors Erik Arenberg and Jimmy Versage. The senior co-captains will use their considerable arm strength on the mound when not patrolling centerfield or squatting behind the dish, respectfully. Both are just 29 hits short of the coveted century club for their careers.
“We’ll base everything on Jimmy and Erik,” said Dougherty, whose club finished 14-8 last season. “We have to mold this squad together. The whole infield is young. We’re starting three freshmen and we have a couple of sophomores.”
Versage and Arenberg are four-year starters and Dougherty insists they have both taken great strides since just last year. Both look to play college baseball after graduation.
“They are so much better, really,” said the coach. “The difference in the years is amazing. Jimmy’s flattened out his swing and when he hits the ball it just sizzles. Erik is looking very good on the mound and he’s hitting the ball extremely well.”
Sophomore Matt Harris slides over from second place to man the shortstop hole. He’ll bat leadoff and make some appearances on the bump.
The other half of the Keystone Combination is a contest for second base between freshman Steven Burner and sophomore Sam Bright. Burner will head to the outfield if he’s not at the bag. Bright is looking to overcome some preseason injuries.
Freshman Zack Wyatt is at first base. The lefty is “a smooth fielder,” according to the coach. Bright or Joe Fulford will take the catching duties when Versage goes to the pitcher’s plate. The outfield includes freshman Aaron Garcia, senior Justin Lent, and junior Jared Langrell. Langrell, a lefty, will bat second in the line-up and will also take the ball on occasion.
Senior Nick Garcia will get some swings as the designated hitter. “He’s my pinch hitter and real nice kid,” said Dougherty. “He’s been around a long time and he’ll do anything for the team.”
While being so young, it’ll be vital for Versage and Arenberg to show the leadership Dougherty expects from them. “They’re good leaders and good kids,” said the coach. “They’ve started each year for me and they’ve really grown up.”
Dougherty will be assisted by his brother, Frank, and Sam Carabello.
“We’ll take some lumps, early,” said Dougherty, whose team travels to Disney for a couple of games during Easter break. “As we get more mature we should jell into a nice team. Who knows, maybe they’ll surprise me. As Arenberg and Versage go, we’ll go.”