Townie Baseball in First Game on New EPHS Field Friday at Noon. Coach Previews team.

The 2023 version of Townie baseball will play a league game Friday at noon, for the first time on their brand-new turf field with its state of the art amenities. The Townies will play Chariho High School. The team is 1-0 on the season with a 5-3 win at Burrillville High. EP has scrimmaged a few times at home and is enthusiastic about playing at their new field. In fact, they like the field so much that Head Coach Bobby Rodericks calls it “the best field in Rhode Island in my opinion.” One immediate benefit of the new turf field is that the team has not missed one practice or scrimmage due to field conditions. “We are very excited for the new turf field; we haven't missed one practice or scrimmage so far this season as a direct result from having this field. Opposing coaches have already reached out to switch their home games to our field so they can have the opportunity to play here,” said Rodericks. Rodericks is hoping to eventually host the All-Star game and maybe Division II playoffs. There are also junior varsity tournaments and other games that may seek EPHS as a venue.

“We are also excited about our new Athletic Director, Alex Butler. Arguably Gregg Amore (recent AD now RI Secretary of State) was the state's best AD during his tenure and Alex has already had a huge positive impact on the athletic programs and I feel this is the best thing that happened to the Townies in a long time,” said an animated Townie coach.

A Team Preview:

“We have 2 outstanding senior captains in Jack McKnight and Manuel “Chico” Santos. They have been in the weight room all fall and winter. They will be top 3 in the hitting lineup. Jack will be the leader in the infield and projected #1 pitcher, Chico for the 3rd season in a row will take the role as field general behind the plate. Both will be playing college in the fall, Jack for RIC and Chico for Roger Williams. A slight setback for Chico as he has a hand injury and will be out for a few weeks. Sophomore Brian Rutkowski will be the field general until his return. Senior Ziurel Vargas will also contribute to the top of the hitting lineup and be another solid infielder mainly at the 1st base position. Junior, Kyler Lorenz has arguably the best hands defensively maybe even in the league and is showing he is on track as the captain for the 2024 team. Our pitching staff consists of Sophomores Dylan Annicelli and Tim Robitaille, Seniors Jack McKnight, Austin Martins and Ziurel Vargas. Hoping to develop more pitching from the JV level as we have a ton of upcoming talent. 2nd base will be filled by freshman Gavin Palombo and sophomore Oliver Andrews potentially. Freshman Jayden Healey will swing both JV and Varsity as an outfielder and 3rd baseman. The outfield will have another freshman potentially in the starting lineup, Nolan Lorenz, Kyler's younger brother. Also Sophomore Tim Robitaille and Junior Steven Estrella have been showing signs of cracking the lineup as outfielders. As I said before we have a ton of upcoming talent in the 9th, 10th and also 11th grade. Colin Roche, Malaquis Fernandez, the Vieira boys, the Quadros boys, JJ Francis to name a few. And during scrimmage week Austin Martins and Colin Roche hit very well and could work out as Designated Hitters.”

Team to Dedicate Season to Former Townie Captain – Justin Rocha:

“This season will be dedicated to my former teammate and fellow captain and close friend, Justin Rocha, EPHS Class of 1998 who passed away tragically on October 26th this past fall. He was a former Rumford LL, Martin Jr High and EPHS standout baseball player," said Rodericks.   Rocha, a Warwick firefighter,  also excelled in Townies football. His son Cole Rocha will throw out the first pitch at today's home opener -  Friday, April 7th  at 12 noon.