Restructuring the diamond

When Rich McGlynn took over the HPHS baseball program in the spring of 2005, he inherited a talented sophomore class with high aspirations. Last season brought a finish to the Highland Park careers of that crew of players. Now the fourth-year head coach faces a rebuilding job on the diamond following a 10-15 campaign.

"That group of guys will always be close to my heart," McGlynn said of the class of 2007. "They were my first class as a middle school coach and there's a common bond... They always gave us a chance to win."

The 2008 Owls face a unique challenge as seven starters vacated their posts following graduation. Senior third baseman Tony Olarra and senior second baseman Kevin Oshinskie are the only returning starters.

But as practice resumes, McGlynn is excited, as at the start of any season. "It's a new beginning and a fresh start. We have a young ball club that I think can win more games than expected."

The squad is led by senior captain Tony Olarra, whose brother Joe Olarra graduated last year after four years as a starter in center field. The three-year starting infielder, even better known for his glove and bat, plans to lead the squad in the field and at the plate.

"I'm just looking to work with the younger players while having a fun and successful season this year. Of course, there is a little bit of pressure losing seven guys out of your starting lineup, but each of us has to do a little bit to pick things up."

Pitching pen an asset

Olarra also hopes to add to the depth of a pitching staff that could be the Owls' main strength. In 2007, he went 3-0 with two saves and a sub-2.00 ERA, and is expected to step into the ace role left behind by Skidmore freshman Rob Rubenstein. He will be joined in the rotation by sophomore lefty Mike Ryan and junior hurler Chris Marshall.

"The strength will be in the pitching," McGlynn said. "Tony gave us quality innings last year and even beat Middlesex down the stretch. Mike [Ryan] has varsity experience and [Chris] Marshall has grown into a mountain of a man."

McGlynn admits that there are "a lot of holes to fill" around the diamond, starting behind the plate following the graduation of four-year starter Neil Ramer. The head coach expects a competition for the catcher spot between juniors Ben Heisler and Max Jacobs, who is expected to return to baseball this year.

"I'm looking to get Max back at 100 percent and having the chance to use Heisler all over the place," McGlynn said. "That would be an outstanding level of flexibility."

Rounding out the projected starters heading into camp, junior Will Randall Goodman looks to step into right field. Ryan, the pitcher, also plays in right and sophomore Louis Middleton will attempt to fill Joe Olarra's shoes in center.

The infield will be anchored by Tony Olarra at third base. Marshall is expected to move over to shortstop on the recommendation of long-time Oakland Athletic and H.P. graduate Teddy Kubiak; he will be joined in the middle infield by Oshinskie in his second year as a starter. Senior Felix Brito looks to maintain error-free play at first base.

Learning curve

"While I'm really looking forward to the season, our weakness will be inexperience at a lot of positions, something we havenít had to deal with in recent years," McGlynn said. "Time will tell how these kids will grow as ballplayers and I know they'll work hard. It's important for them to stay relaxed and let the game come to them."

Veteran coaches Joe Policastro and Lou Borbely will be returning for another spring of teaching the game, with Borbely focusing on the pitchers. "Having those two back every spring is a blessing for this program," McGlynn said.

"Playing for Mac, you have a lot of fun," Olarra said, commenting on the coaching dynamic. "You learn baseball because he's a great coach and knows all the sports well. It's a good experience to be on a team where he's running things."

Rhapsody in Blue

As for the upcoming season, the Blue Division looks to be as stacked as it has been in recent memory. Spotswood and Middlesex are coming off state tournament crowns, while Bishop Ahr and Kennedy (Iselin) made county semifinal appearances.

"The expectations arenít where they have been in past years," McGlynn said. "That's a good thing. We have good senior leadership and all I can ask is that we improve on a daily basis. Itís time to restore some respect for HP baseball."