Playing in four games, the Scotties gained valuable outdoor playing time and now return home to start their 2008 campaign.

“Unfortunately it was out first time on the field,” said head coach David Sunkes. “The kids worked hard and we had some success; we made strides in the right direction.”

The Scotties return this season with a young squad eager to return to the playoffs. A total of nine players were lost to graduation, and the returning group includes five seniors and nine juniors.

Competing in a league full of perennial state baseball powerhouses, the young team strives to be competitive within the Suburban Council this season with the eventual goal of advancing to the playoffs.

It will be a tough road for the Scotties as they face top-level teams in Shenedehowa, Guilderland, Bethlehem, and Columbia throughout the season.

“There are no days off in this league and to finish .500 means you are doing something right,” said Sunkes, adding, “Once you are in the playoffs, anything can happen.”

The Scotties will rely on solid defense and strong leadership from veteran players throughout this season. Returning seniors Jim Tino and Chris Schaefer anchor the middle of the field defensively at shortstop and center field, respectively.

Junior Kyle Balbani returns as catcher and will also make an impact on the field both offensively and defensively.

In order to be successful, Sunkes adds that the team “needs to remain strong defensively, manufacture runs, and overall play solid, fundamental baseball.”

The Scotties begin their home season with two games next week before hosting reigning league champion Guilderland April 14th in their first true test of the season.