BB: LEC: Little East Conference

[hockeyfan77]

.
hockey fan........I think you are on the wrong board.....this is baseball (ball is round and white not flat and black).......please provide some insight as to where you get your info.......everything from you is reactionary and defensive.

Why should I have to provide insight on what I say???  If you must know I am a hockey player first and foremost but my uncle is also an assistant coach for USM's baseball team ...Could that be was I was so defensive???...I never did play ball for USM (just hockey) but I did travel with the team to a couple of regionals and LEC tourney's...I am in the press box for every home USM  game... This is were I get my info...

[hockeyfan77]

.  Hockeyfan is Burleson pitching this year, i know he moved to SS last year after playing OF before. I guess im looking for some updates on practices if anyone knows.

I don't think he will be pitching as USM has some new arms but who knows: if some of those arms don't come though like last year he might have too....I know he would rather just play the field...

[dchevy5]

ECSUAlum- You are correct.  For some reason, KSC does attract a lot of Ct kids, and not just athletes.  I lived in Ct for 8 years and that is where I first heard of KSC as several kids from town seemed to go there.

KSC does have a rather large number of new arms.  I am anxious to see them as they have a number of holes to fill.   One kid to keep an eye on is Corey Vogt (from CT).  I was very impressed by him last year as a freshman.  If he can improve his command a bit, he might be very good.

[dgilblair]

KSC's improvement over the last 3 years has made this a three team league for sure.  I put KSC right there with USM and Eastern and don't agree that those programs are currently a little bit ahead of Keene. 

That being said, how can you say that USM and Eastern are overrated?  They have been doing it for a lot longer than KSC and have the World Series appearances (and National Championships) to show for it.  Keene has a lot of work to do over a long period of time to acquire the pedigree that those two programs have. 

I LOVE it when KSC plays USM or Eastern, and I am pretty sure that their fans have a lot of respect for KSC, and that they mark their calendars for those games, also.

I hope someday (and starting this year) that KSC can get to their first World Series, and then keep going back. 

I agree KSC has been right there with ECSU ans USM the last four years really.  You could even make an argument they have been one of the top two teams with USM third.  I mean being no worst than 2nd in the league the last four years pretty much says it all. 

KonK is still a bit nuts by saying his foes are overrated because that would only mean his love team would be right there with them.

Thanks for the link ECSUalum.  Hope the kid helps us out this year.  Didn't know he was that highly regarded. 

hockeyfan77 how is Henry doing?  I know he was injured in the same game as my son last year and never seem to fully recover.  He should have a good year on the mound if he's healthy.  By the way I hope your SS doesn't pitch this year.....LOL

ecfaninri......I'm going to Ashland at the end of the month.  A car, hotel and flight for $291 dollars.  No I'm not staying at the YMCA and it's not a paper plane that I'm flying on.  The car my be an Escort or Yugo but who cares.....$291 please.  Leave Friday night get back LATE Sunday night.  Little Ish is playing in PR and big Ish says he is doing great and having a ball.

chevy we know when we play KSC and so does everyone else in the league.  But you could say that about UMB the last few years because of Conway.  It was always if we can get to him we will win the second game too, even if we didn't we won the second game, but you know what I mean.  Pitching.......now the word is you guys have some good new arms and if you do KSC may be in the top two again this year.  It's tough to jump into the LEC and compete at that level right out of highschool.  Not to say they won't have some success but the end of the year is a long ways out for a freshman.

[ECSUalum]

KSC's improvement over the last 3 years has made this a three team league for sure.  I put KSC right there with USM and Eastern and don't agree that those programs are currently a little bit ahead of Keene. 

That being said, how can you say that USM and Eastern are overrated?  They have been doing it for a lot longer than KSC and have the World Series appearances (and National Championships) to show for it.  Keene has a lot of work to do over a long period of time to acquire the pedigree that those two programs have. 

I LOVE it when KSC plays USM or Eastern, and I am pretty sure that their fans have a lot of respect for KSC, and that they mark their calendars for those games, also.

I hope someday (and starting this year) that KSC can get to their first World Series, and then keep going back. 

I agree KSC has been right there with ECSU ans USM the last four years really.  You could even make an argument they have been one of the top two teams with USM third.  I mean being no worst than 2nd in the league the last four years pretty much says it all. 

KonK is still a bit nuts by saying his foes are overrated because that would only mean his love team would be right there with them.

Thanks for the link ECSUalum.  Hope the kid helps us out this year.  Didn't know he was that highly regarded. 

hockeyfan77 how is Henry doing?  I know he was injured in the same game as my son last year and never seem to fully recover.  He should have a good year on the mound if he's healthy.  By the way I hope your SS doesn't pitch this year.....LOL

ecfaninri......I'm going to Ashland at the end of the month.  A car, hotel and flight for $291 dollars.  No I'm not staying at the YMCA and it's not a paper plane that I'm flying on.  The car my be an Escort or Yugo but who cares.....$291 please.  Leave Friday night get back LATE Sunday night.  Little Ish is playing in PR and big Ish says he is doing great and having a ball.

chevy we know when we play KSC and so does everyone else in the league.  But you could say that about UMB the last few years because of Conway.  It was always if we can get to him we will win the second game too, even if we didn't we won the second game, but you know what I mean.  Pitching.......now the word is you guys have some good new arms and if you do KSC may be in the top two again this year.  It's tough to jump into the LEC and compete at that level right out of highschool.  Not to say they won't have some success but the end of the year is a long ways out for a freshman.

Chevy,

You are absolutely correct, The KSC and USM DH's are always marked on my calendar, and the success in our fine LEC teams is a tribute to the high quality academics and for sure the fantanstic athletic programs in the LEC.  I am particulary proud of EZStream.com in cooperaton with Little East TV's new broadcast schedule and quality of webcast with LEC sports, GREAT JOB by our Conference!!!!

So, to me, if USM, KSC, UMB, UMD, PSC, WConn, RIC,  move to the NSCCA Regionals, win a berth to the big show and, even better, if they win the D3 Nat.Championship, we can all feel proud, as they represent the LEC and New England sports.  Doesn't matter if its basketball, baseball, or some other sport

[hockeyfan77]

KSC's improvement over the last 3 years has made this a three team league for sure.  I put KSC right there with USM and Eastern and don't agree that those programs are currently a little bit ahead of Keene. 

That being said, how can you say that USM and Eastern are overrated?  They have been doing it for a lot longer than KSC and have the World Series appearances (and National Championships) to show for it.  Keene has a lot of work to do over a long period of time to acquire the pedigree that those two programs have. 

I LOVE it when KSC plays USM or Eastern, and I am pretty sure that their fans have a lot of respect for KSC, and that they mark their calendars for those games, also.

I hope someday (and starting this year) that KSC can get to their first World Series, and then keep going back. 

hockeyfan77 how is Henry doing?  I know he was injured in the same game as my son last year and never seem to fully recover.  He should have a good year on the mound if he's healthy.  By the way I hope your SS doesn't pitch this year.....LOL

From what I have heard he seems to be fully recovered and ready to go...Burelson would probably be just a closer type if he does pitch...He plays the field  and hits much better when he doesn't have to pitch so I too hope his innings are down this year.... We shall see...I have head about a new arm for USM that is really impressing people in practice but I will wait until the roster comes out to say anything more...

[ECSUalum]

NSCAA?

Sorry about that!

[wordsmith]

KSCfan,

Looks like Keene has really reloaded on thier pitching this year.  Hopefully they have found some aces for the future which will lead them to thier first National Championship

You know share the wealth in the Little East

They seem to attract a lot of CT kids!!  They got away from Coach Holawaty


Any of these pitchers/others you think may start this year?

Alum,

Coach Testo has some very strong connections into the CT area. Mass is a tough place for KSC to recruit from as they have a real hard time competing dollar for dollar on tuition with the Mass state schools. Not as much the case in CT.

First in-road was made into the Hartford area about 7-8 years ago at a key Legion Tourney and the effort continues to bear fruit. It helps that Testo is the head coach of the Keene Swamp Rats of the NECBL and that he has a strong rep for pitcher development.

Coach Howe continues the strong effort in NH and the nearby Socialist Republic of Vermont. Nashua/Amherst has provided numerous strong players to the program (Morin, Ford, Chevy, Rousseau, etc.) Keene High and Monadnock High which continually produce high quality baseball players is still a bit of a struggle for KSC recruiting efforts. Kids want to go away to school, not 2 miles down the road. But Howe and Testo are turning that around and have recruited several top players from the local pool. (Doyon, Patnode, Grainger, Stromgren, Trubiano, etc.)

As I have said here before, I think KSC is 1 year away from a WS berth. Hope I am wrong and it is this year.....but....2010 is my prediction.

Word

[ECSUalum]

Thanks WORD,

NO DOUBT KEENE WILL CHALK UP A D3NC IN THE NEAR FUTURE.  THEY REALLY SEEM TO HAVE THIER EYES ON THE PRIZE

How does it look up thier in Swamp Land today.

Here in CT except for the big piles, the snow has melted,  first time I  have viewed the lawn and complete driveway since early December, however it will be chilly down here over the next week or so.

Have my sights on Key West next week, then ECSU season start, then watching holywaater;s TEE in Phoenix AZ.

and then.......................................:

SAINT PADDY'S DAY YOU KNOW, CELEBRATE THE DAD'S HERITAGE, (COUNTY KERRY).

WOW, THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN

[wordsmith]

The Swamp is still snow and ice covered. The temps have caused a lot of melting but it is still a long way from being free of snow cover.

By the way Keene State announced tonight they are introducing a new mascot. This is a direct response to Rhode island College's introduction of RIC the disco diva mascot who is fresh off a tour with the Village People.

So let me introduce the first LEC school to have a real live mascot Ladies and Gentlemen direct from the birdcage and now on a music scholarship the KSC Mascot


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6slHmelp6kE&feature=related



Word

[ecfaninri]

Dgilblair...
Ashland - $291, I will give you a call this weekend and maybe I'll join you. Good news about lil ish.

KSC fan.. I wouldn't be surprised if Castillo winds up at 3rd this season. He looked more comfortable there at the end of last season, but I really think he was pressing too much at short with all the errors. Like I said he looked really comfortable at 3rd. That might put Parke at short and Bass at 2nd.

ECSUalum.... word from Central Mass. is that Commuso, the catcher, from Wachusett, was really disciplined at the plate and really improved his mechanics behind the plate. However, Mags really played well last year after a strong tutoring program behind Cooney. It sounds like the coaches like both of them and we'll see how each performs out of the gate. But we all know that in the LEC, it never hurts to have 2 good catchers. Keep in mind the new format for league play this year with a single game on Friday or Sunday wied out.th doubleheaders on Saturday, a catcher can't get burn

dchevy5... you're right, when Eastern has KSC and USM on the schedule it is like appointment viewing. There is alot of anxious moments because these three programs just raise the bar.

[ECSUalum]

The Swamp is still snow and ice covered. The temps have caused a lot of melting but it is still a long way from being free of snow cover.

By the way Keene State announced tonight they are introducing a new mascot. This is a direct response to Rhode island College's introduction of RIC the disco diva mascot who is fresh off a tour with the Village People.

So let me introduce the first LEC school to have a real live mascot Ladies and Gentlemen direct from the birdcage and now on a music scholarship the KSC Mascot


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6slHmelp6kE&feature=related



Word

Strange looking owl, but none the less HILARIOUS!!!  Get him to learn the Village People's YMCA song

[dchevy5]

I think VERY highly of the KSC coaching staff, but I don't think KonK's depiction of a lovefest there is at all accurate.  They are very tough.  Try being late for practice, or not getting your work in properly and see how loving they are.  They are extremely passionate and dedicated, but, they also have the ability to lighten up and have some fun.  At least, this is my take on it.

[KSCfan]

Fellas thanks for all of the updates.  As far as the pitching goes for Keene, I think that Somberg will step up into the roll of a saturday guy this year will another sat starter to be determined.  I think that if Somberg did his offseason work out he will be ready to step up.  He pitched last year at times and looked very effective.  Out of the bullpen you will see Delbuno as a set up type role , and chev5 can back me up im pretty sure that you will see Chevy at the closer role.  I know that one kid to keep an eye on might be the raymond kid.  He doesnt overpower you but keeps you off balance with changing speeds and pitches.  Keene has a history of these kind of pitchers ala Young and Stromgren.  SOmeone mentioned Corey Vogt, i hope that he has an impact on the team this year as he seems to have a good strong arm but control is not always there. Maybe Testo can get him to breathe through his eyelids or something.  As far as the others im not sure.  A big piece of the puzzle could be Riley.  You eastern folk know him as younger brother of Joe Riley who pitched for Eastern back in the early 2000's.  He has good stuff and either seems to be dead on and pitching well or he seems to struggle.  I have not seen him gut through to many performances.  With Wentworth not on the roster look for Lacourse to maybe the lefty guy out of the bullpen.  This is all KSCfan speculation and i have not personally discussed with coaches so i could be way off but this is my best guess.

As far as the swamp goes its still under the snow up here, its melting slowly but you never know how ole western NH is going to be in spring.  It always seems that as soon as the team leaves for Arizona we get blasted again.


As far as Keene spreading thier wings into CT it seems to happen more and more often.  I personally am from the great state of CT, and now have moved to the Keene area in NH.  Keene State is a popular college to the Hartford region of CT.  Coach Testo and Coach Howe in the spring do a fair amount of recruiting into the Hartford region, and kids that often visit KSC seem to like it.  It doesnt hurt that the KSC program has grown a lot so its attractive to baseball players of CT.  Also its an athletic school.  Athletics are HUGE on campus, anyone been to a sat DH or a basketball game will understand that.  Also not to many students go home on the weekends so there is always plenty of "activities" to do on the weekends as well as people to hang out with.  THen finally just being a straight shot up 91 its far enough away to be away, but close enough if you need to get home you can.  

Chev could not agree more.  I remember players running sprints in the game at 5am till 6am when praticed started becuase they where late.  Or the time at practice when a certain catcher who shall remained nameless told a coach to shut up and he ran for three dates straight.  Coach Howe and his staff for that matter are passionate about thier players but make no mistake they demand you to work hard, do well in class, and be a general good human being otherwise you dont last in the program

[keenONkeene]

Well.......please let the Keene love fest continue--hot stove baseball is often better than the real thing. I do agree that Keene has some very good young arms, under the tutelage of Coach T they should blossom.
Hockey thanks for the update, I can appreciate your love for your hometown team (Im exhibit A), hope Henry is healthy as he is a Saturday pitcher and makes the weekend match ups fun.
After the thaw yesterday field ONLY has about 4 feet of snow on it.

So, Im convinced..........Woody Hayes was too much for the old timers from Evil Empire and the mudpuppies from the land of lobster.........how about Bobby Knight?