NEWS

            The Staunton Braves begin the 2014 season with local excitement about familiar faces on the roster. After losing a few players to injury and the draft in 2013, they settled for a 24-20 season with an early exit in the playoffs. But this season, three players will play for their hometown team. Adding to the familiarity, head coach George Laase (Fairmont State University ’04) and six players returning from last year’s team will bring some magic to the Braves in 2014.

            Laase realizes how important it is for the community to see local prospects playing for the home team.

“There is definitely more excitement that some local boys growing up here in Staunton will be showcased for scouts,” said Laase. “These guys know how special it is to play for the Braves and represent their community.”

General manager Steve Cox (Bridgewater College ’81), starting his eighth season in that role, hopes the team develops some chemistry around the local and returning players.

“Usually we get 25 or more guys who don’t know each other, but now we have guys we were able to keep in town,” said Cox. “It’s always good to see them come back.”

Three pitchers on the roster are from Staunton. Tyler Zombro (George Mason University), Taylor Davis (Ferrum College), and Dylan Horne (James Madison University) will provide solid pitching in the bullpen and rotation. Zombro, a rising senior, turned in a 2.00 ERA in 45 innings while closing games for the Patriots. Davis, also a senior, achieved a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings. Horne pitched in 9.1 innings for the Dukes, getting 9 strikeouts on the year.

Returning players include senior first baseman James Vasquez (University of Central Florida/Palm City, Fla.), senior right-handed pitcher Chris Huffman (James Madison University/Fort Defiance, Va.), and senior shortstop Tommy Williams (University of Central Florida/North Palm Beach, Fla.). Vasquez led the Valley League with 43 RBIs in 2013 and batted a team-high.337 for UCF. Huffman struck out 69 batters over 91 innings for the Dukes during the year. Williams hit 11 home runs in 220 at-bats for UCF and led the team in that category.

Laase will be joined in the dugout by two assistant coaches: Matt Maher (Bridgewater College ‘14) and Jeremy Thorne (Florida Southern College ’08). Maher is very excited for the season. Laase says Maher has “a high amount of energy and players catch onto his rally mentality.”

Thorne formerly pitched for the Braves from 2008 to 2010 up to the double-A level until surgery ended his career. After getting drafted in the 29th round by the Angels, he pitched well at the rookie level holding a 0.89 ERA in 30.1 innings. Laase says Thorne has many qualities in his favor as a coach: he’s “a student of the game,” and a good communicator who looks for maximum exposure for his players but also takes care of their well-being.

Laase’s first chance to see his team in action will be at the Braves’ own John Moxie Stadium May 30 against the Strasburg Express. First pitch is at 7:30.

“This year over 98% of the roster has a lot of experience,” Laase said. “We did a lot of work in recruiting. Any player on this roster can give us their best. Last year, we got to the playoffs and fell short. We had a drink of the punch and this year, we want to break the punch bowl.”

 

—Dom Calandra

 

Photo courtesy of George Mason University Athletics