Top players to watch in Berks I baseball
Players to watch in Division I of the Berks Baseball League in 2022:
Cole Leaman, Wilson: Right-hander went 2-0 with two saves and a 2.37 ERA last season. Struck out 42 over 23 2/3 innings in 12 appearances as a junior. Committed to Lehigh University.
Rueben Livingston, Wilson: First baseman batted .393 and led team with 25 RBIs and six homers in 22 games for District 3 champs. Kent State recruit had a 1.407 OPS, .875 slugging average and .532 on-base percentage. All-Berks pick as junior.
Tyler Minick, Governor. Mifflin: All-Berks as a junior when he was Mustangs’ offensive catalyst, batting .376 with 12 extra-base hits, team-leading 28 runs, 21 RBIs and 20 stolen bases for the Berks League champs. University of Connecticut recruit will return to the mound after shoulder injury prevented him from throwing, or playing the field at shortstop, over the second half of last season.
Ryan Sekulski, Wilson: Saw very little time as a sophomore playing behind a stacked, senior-oriented lineup last season. He’ll play a big role this season, playing right field and hitting cleanup, providing protection for Bulldogs slugger Rueben Livingston.
Devin Sheerin, Exeter: Earned all-division honors as a sophomore by striking out 47 over 31 inning, with a 1.35 ERA. Won two games, saved two others. Also played third base and batted .295 with six extra-base hits.
Darien Troche, Governor Mifflin: Junior will catch and hit in the middle of the Mustangs’ lineup. Delivered several clutch hits for county champs last season, including the gamer-winner against Muhlenberg in the Berks League semifinals. He had eight RBIs as a part-time starter last season.
Matt VanOstenbridge, Wilson: Sophomore will step into the Bulldogs’ starting rotation. Left-hander has a high motor and a big upside.
Xander Velez, Governor Mifflin: Junior is expected to be one of Mustangs’ front-line pitchers after seeing limited time on the mound last year. Also will play third base. Had 10 RBIs and 10 runs scored last season. Earned all-division honorable mention.
Mason Walter, Daniel Boone: Second baseman batted .278 with 13 runs scored and 10 RBIs as a sophomore, when he earned all-division honorable mention.
Luke Weller, Exeter: Went 5-1 with a 3.08 ERA as a junior, striking out 29 batters over 25 innings. Will also play shortstop for the Eagles. Earned all-division honorable mention last season.
Ian Wisner, Exeter: Outfielder batted .342, with 11 RBIs and 11 runs scored as a junior. Also will pitch for the Eagles. Earned all-division honorable mention last season.
Mason Woolwine, Governor Mifflin: Senior captain is the Mustangs’ best defensive outfielder; he’ll return to center field and be a key presence in the middle of the lineup. Was third on team last season with 20 hits; batted .253 with 10 stolen bases.