The Randolph Varsity Boys Baseball team plans to start the season strong in 2023. After placing second in the county tournament last season, the team is optimistic and aiming even higher this season.
“Our goals this season are to contend for the division title, return to the Morris County Tournament finals and advance further in the state tournament,” said Mark Rizzi, head coach of Randolph baseball.
The returning and new varsity players make up a squad that has a fierce desire for a championship win. “What I’m most excited about this season is getitng a chance to win the County Tournament,” Ethan Gorman said.
Despite losing notable seniors to graduation last year, such as captains Danny Kaiser and Jonah Tullman as well as All-County second baseman Mitchell McKechnie, the team is confident in their ability to perform well.
“We lost some very good offensive players, but we have a talented group of juniors and seniors who will battle to replace the seniors,” Rizzi said. “We do have to improve our run production to complement our outstanding pitching.”
“I have been coaching for 40 years. Each year is different; each year is a new season,” Rizzi said. “Randolph has a great baseball tradition, so I am blessed to be a small part of that. This team is very talented, and we may win a significant share of our games.”
Returning players hope to lead the team to repeat past success. “I’m going to be a great teammate to all my boys,” said returning varsity pitcher Tommy Martin, who is poised to become a big contributor this season.
The chemistry among the players is a core part of the culture that the whole team and coach take pride in. “The relationship with the players and the day-to-day contact with them during the season is extremely rewarding,” Rizzi said. “They are very coachable, and I think they are aware of the responsibility to uphold the Randolph Baseball tradition.”
Led by a coach who respects and loves coaching the team along with a strong squad, Randolph baseball is bound to be successful this season.
The team faces Montville in the season opener on Monday, April 3, at 4:00 p.m. @ Montville High School.
