Northampton’s baseball team did something historic for their program last year that they hadn’t done in 15 years.

Unfortunately, though, it wasn’t a good thing.

The Kids finished with an overall 8-12 record, missing the district playoffs. It was a shocking situation for one of the more successful programs in the area. Manager Mick Sugra also missed his first postseason as the Kids’ skipper.

Sugra is confident his team has plenty of motivation.

“They definitely still have a sour taste in their mouths,” stressed Sugra. “They want to play postseason baseball.”

Seniors Brady Simock, Cole Schaeffer, and Charles Burrell will spearhead the Kids’ pitching staff. Simock (2-5) has a 3.00 ERA and recorded 54 strikeouts in 32 innings.

“Brady brings a lot of experience to the mound for us as a three-year starter,” said Sugra. “We look forward to seeing what he brings his senior year on the mound and at the plate.

Senior Aidan Sugra will be back at shortstop. He hit. 302 with four doubles, two triples, two home runs and 15 RBIs. The older Sugra will look to the younger one to raise his game to another level.

“Aidan led us last year in extra base hits and RBIs,” said the manager. “We look forward to continued growth his senior year both in the field, at the plate, and on the basepaths.”

Fellow senior Jaxon Rutzmoser will be back behind the plate, and he caught over half of their games last season.

Burrell will be at first and pitch after catching last season, and senior outfielder Casey Williams (.319) is back after he played all 20 games last year. Schaeffer’s workload will increase, with senior Brayden Giadomenico (.375).

“We expect a solid year out of Rutzmoser,” said Sugra. “We have high expectations for Williams in the outfield, at the plate, and on the basepaths. We look forward to seeing Burrell’s growth at the plate and defensively at his natural position at first base.” Newcomers in the mix will be senior pitcher Gavin Taff, junior outfielder Owen Basara, junior outfielder/pitcher Tyler Biechy, junior third baseman /pitcher Gavin Caravello, junior outfielder Zachary Hartzell, junior pitcher/infielder Quinn Hughes, junior outfielder Cody Reimer, and sophomore pitcher/outfielder Jake Raysely.

Sugra is optimistic that his club can get back to the postseason.

“We have some returning pitching in Simock and Schaffer who both saw significant time last year,” said Sugra. “Raysely is a great addition and another lefty arm along with Simock. We also have other arms in Taff, Hughes, Biechy and a few sophomores and freshman double rostered kids.

“Defensively we have a good core up the middle in Sugra, Giandomenico, Rutzmoser, and Williams. Offensively, we have some key pieces back from last year in Sugra, Simock, Williams, Giandomenico, Burrell and Rutzmoser. “We’re looking forward to getting started.”