By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The 2024 edition of Medway High’s baseball team is young, but coach Mike Coppinger’s Mustangs are a coachable group that will be striving to improve daily, gain experience and sharpen their techniques.

“Our goals are to qualify for the state tourney, compete for the Tri Valley League Small Division crown and take a step forward,’’ Coppinger said.

Last year’s Medway contingent finished at 6-12, then split a pair of games in the Division 3 state tourney, defeating East Boston and bowing to Oakmont, the eventually champion. 

Whether the current group of Mustangs can surpass last year’s record and tourney results will depend greatly on how quickly their overall team strengths emerge. 

“We’re young but our players are coachable, athletic and instinctive,’’ Coppinger offered. “Our baseball IQ is good, their techniques are improving and our work ethic is very strong. Our pitching, hitting and fielding are solid but we still need to improve.’’

The 38-year-old Coppinger has eight returnees with different levels of experience, and he lost only four seniors to graduation. One of those graduates, however, was Luke Frauton who’s now playing baseball at Worcester Polytech. Frauton pitched and played the outfield for Medway and his statistics no doubt will be missed. He hit .417, had a 3-4 record, an E.R.A. of 2.10 and 55 strikeouts.

Junior Jason Bedard is one of the Mustangs’ key returnees. He was the starting catcher last year and he also can play in the infield. 

“Jason’s batting average of .304 is the highest of our returning players,’’ Coppinger said. “He’s a terrific competitor and a very consistent hitter. He handles the catching chores effectively. He blocks the plate well, knows how to keep our pitchers calm and his arm strength is improving.’’

Two other players who can handle infield duties are junior John Farrell and senior Kyle Cairney. Both right-handers will also pitch.

“John played shortstop last year and we’re counting on him to be a consistent hitter,’’ Coppinger said. “He finished last year with a 3.44 E.R.A. He relies on a fastball, slider and change-up and throws in the 80-mph range. Kyle is athletic and versatile. He throws a fastball, curve and change-up and can contribute on the mound or in the field.’’

Junior Garrett O’Meara is a right-handed pitcher who can also play in the infield or the outfield.

“Garrett is a super utility player,’’ Coppinger emphasized. “He’s big (6-3, 190), strong and athletic. He’s a talented hurler who has good control and command. Relying on a fastball, curve and change-up, he was 1-0 last year with an E.R.A. of 2.62.’’

Junior Matt Parlon can pitch or play the outfield. A left-hander, he hit .250 last year and was utilized as a reliever. “Matt became a regular in our last 11 games last year,’’ Coppinger recalled. “He’s a crafty lefty whose best pitch is a curve ball. An excellent athlete, he’s a very good baseball player.’’

A trio of juniors who play the infield include Matt Olynciw, Matt Wilde and Anthony Alicea. Olynciw can also pitch and catch, and Alicea can pitch, too.

“Matt (Olynciw) is a hard-working competitor who’s got a great attitude and is very coachable,’’ Coppinger noted. “He’s a pitcher with very good command. Matt (Wilde) is a corner infielder who played jayvee ball last year. He’s a consistent fielder who’s got power at the plate. Anthony does everything well. A jayvee player last year, he’s got good hands, can pitch and has power at the plate.’’

Sophomore Aidan Tkowski played 14 games at second base last year. “Aidan is a quality fielder and hitter who showed lots of poise and polish as a freshman,’’ Coppinger said. “He hit .270. A spray hitter, we’re hoping he develops more power this season.’’

A native of Medway, Coppinger will be relying on two assistant coaches — varsity aide Jim Patelis and junior varsity coach Kevin Treggeri. “Both are outstanding,’’ Coppinger said. “Jim has been on the staff for four years and Kevin is in his second season.’’

During his playing days, Coppinger hurled three no-hitters at Medway and was a two-time TVL all-star. He relies on a coaching philosophy that focuses on making sure his players work hard, reach their potential and have fun. “If those things occur, then winning follows,’’ he said. “It’s about getting the kids ready for the next level.’’ 

Coppinger, who has guided Medway to six tourney berths in eight years, also uses baseball to teach valuable life lessons. “I like it when our players learn how to overcome adversity and develop resilience,’’ he emphasized. “Sports also help kids to set goals and be strong leaders and good teammates.’’

Baseball at Medway has experienced some up and down times recently. In 2019, the Mustangs were a No. 11 seed in the tourney but rolled to a sectional title before losing in the state final to Taconic.

Mike Coppinger is acutely aware this his 2024 team is young but it’s willing to work hard and improve on its techniques. He’s hoping that strong leaders will emerge during a season that opens on April 2 at Bellingham.

There’s a possibility the Mustangs’ work ethic and team-first approach will enable them to contend for the Small Division title and earn a state tourney berth.

TVL teams taking Medway lightly might be in for a surprise