It was a remarkable season for the Zephyr baseball team, claiming a piece of history and getting to the district finals.

For manager Shaun O'Boyle, coming to the field every day and watching his players perform was an experience he'll never forget.

"It was fantastic," said O'Boyle who just completed his third year as skipper. "I told them you'll go down as one of the best teams ever at Whitehall."

The numbers certainly back that up.

The Zephs were 22-3 and won a Lehigh Valley Conference Championship, the first time a Whitehall baseball team hoisted a trophy since the league's inception 11 years ago. Additionally, it ended a 29-year drought of winning any type of league championship in baseball.

After that historic achievement, they won two district games, making it to the finals where their dream season was extinguished by Parkland High School, losing 5-2.

What made it even more special was the players who donned the maroon and gold this year. O'Boyle said they were a team that practiced hard and played hard.

"It was just a great group," said O'Boyle. "They were a very coachable team."

O'Boyle said their historic season came with plenty of hard work and dedication, noting they've building toward this moment for three years, committing to an offseason regimen in the weight room to maximize their ability.

When that dedication gets merged with their talent, it makes for a potent combination, according to O'Boyle.

"When you get a group with that much talent, and they work that hard, you get a special season," said O'Boyle.

That special season will now fade into the record books, leaving Whitehall with the task of getting ready for next year without many of the players who helped define this memorable year.

The pitching mound is where the biggest impact will be felt. Elliot Mortimer (8-0), Jacob Wloczewski (8-2) and Tyler Sweeney (2-1) will all be throwing four-seamers in college next year.

These three formed the heartbeat of the rotation and their loss will leave a huge void. They were both talented and experienced, having been stalwarts on the mound since joining the varsity. O'Boyle said that this trio is going to be "tough to replace," since 18 of their 22 wins were when they took the ball.

While it's a big loss, sophomore Jacob Meyers played a role on the hill this year, closing out games and spot starting. He'll return to the hill and will also play shortstop. Additionally, they'll look to Jeff Charles, Matthew Hassick and Gianni Sinatore to shore up the rotation.

Another area that takes a mighty blow to graduation is the outfield. Matt Bonshak, who's been patrolling the Zephyr outfield since his freshman year, is off to Lehigh University, while Jon Winter's and Wlozcewski's departure will leave a big hole as well. Additionally, they lose reserves Khristian Polanco, Jacob Szakal and Dominic Sinatore, all of whom provided depth and experience.

O'Boyle said the left side of the infield remains intact as Tyler Bridgwood and Charles return at third. The pair split time at the position, with Bridgwood moving to designated hitter late in the season. Also, Meyers will play short, logging a number of games at that spot this season. However, they lose the right side of their infield with first baseman Zach Delp packing for college, while second baseman Sweeney does the same.

Catcher Ryan Bonshak returns and should help the young rotation acclimate to the rigors of varsity baseball in the LVC.

An area that's bound to see some returning pop is at the plate. The Zephs return two of their top three hitters, with Meyers stick claiming the top spot this season with a .440 average. Bridgwood was third, ending the year with a .386 mark.

The Zephs will have a strong foundation, and while they lose nine seniors, O'Boyle believes he has plenty of hungry ballplayers ready to step up and make their own mark.

"We won't have the experience, but they're all very good," said O'Boyle.

That group of underclassmen ready to fill those spots include, Richard Yost, Adam Miller, Matthew Melosky and Matthew Rohrbach.

Their stellar season also produced some individual honors for a number of Zephs. Bridgwood was named first team all-Lehigh Valley Conference at third. Delp, who batted .419, was named first team all-LVC at first base. Additionally, five Zephyrs received all-LVC Honorable Mention, including Matt Bonshak (outfield), Ryan Bonshak (catcher), Sweeney (second base), Wloczewski (pitcher, outfield, utility player) and Bridgwood (designated hitter).

As the year unfolded, O'Boyle knew he was in the middle of a special group and a chance to write a lasting chapter into the record books. It proved to be true.

"It's one that doesn't come around many times." said O'Boyle. "Maybe once in a lifetime."