After consecutive years of breaking the program’s single-season home run record by more than 10, Ralph Cerrato’s latest team should take on a more versatile look ― even with returning Freshman All-American two-way player Michael Anderson, career home run king Anthony DePino (Madison, Conn.) and the versatile Eric Genther back in the fold as lead power suppliers.
“I just don’t feel like we were consistent enough. It was kind of an all-or-nothing offense for a couple of years,” Cerrato said. “We lost some key guys (including Miami Marlins draftee Mark Coley, San Diego Padres signee Addison Kopack, and Billy Butler, who transferred to Southern Miss), but we replaced them with really good transfers and freshmen. I feel like we’re a lot more athletic and will be able to manufacture runs better.”
Expected to be unquestioned offensive leaders again, first baseman Anderson ― who hit .316 before a great summer with the NECBL champion Newport Gulls ― and third baseman DePino each logged 43 RBI while combining for 29 doubles and 24 homers last season.
Genther, who likely slots into right field and is “probably the team’s best pure hitter,” brought another 19 extra-base hits and 33 RBI to the table.
