Baseball season is underway in the blueberry capital of the world, as all three levels of Hammonton High School baseball are preparing for the spring season. Tryouts for the program just recently wrapped up, with each team carrying roughly twelve to fifteen players.

Varsity plays its first official game on Saturday April 3rd at Highland Regional High School at 9 A.M.

The varsity roster consists of mostly upperclassman, but does have its fair share of freshman and sophomore, specifically seen in the pitching staff. Sophomores Jamison McNally and Lukas Guerrier are looking to build off of their early successes seen in their freshman year to their second year with the program.  Although facing a loaded offensive schedule, the pitching staff should be able to hold its own this spring season.

As for the offense, the Blue Devils have a good balance of speed and power. Senior Derek Adamucci will provide the offense with a good power bat, while juniors Drew Haines and Gavin West should furnish the offense with solid contact hitting. Expect some games to be an offensive shootout.

As for the schedule, the Devils will have their hands filled. They play a total of 24 games (subject to change), with the following opponents:

• 4/3 vs. Highland 9:00 am
• 4/4 vs. Millville 4:00 pm
• 4/5 @ Millville 4:00 pm
• 4/11 vs. Atlantic Tech 4:00 pm
• 4/12 @ Atlantic Tech 4:00 pm
• 4/18 vs. Cedar Creek 11:00 am
• 4/20 vs. Oakcrest 4:00 pm
• 4/22 vs. Mainland 4:00 pm
• 4/23 @ Pennsville 11:00 am
• 4/25 @ Atlantic City 4:00 pm
• 4/26 vs. Atlantic City 4:00 pm
• 4/27 @ Sterling 4:00 pm
• 4/29 @ Middle Township 4:00 pm
• 4/30 vs. Brick Township 10:00 am
• 5/2 vs. Vineland 4:00 pm
• 5/3 @ Vineland 4:00 pm
• 5/9 @ Egg Harbor 4:00 pm
• 5/10 vs. Egg Harbor 4:00 pm
• 5/12 @ St. Augustine 4:00 pm
• 5/13 vs. St. Augustine 4:00 pm
• 5/19 @ Lenape 3:45 pm
• 5/20 vs. Ocean City 6:00 pm
• 5/24 @ Oakcrest 4:00 pm
• 5/25 vs. Paul VI 4:00 pm

This is one of the tougher schedules in South Jersey and with division games being played back-to-back this year, the Devils will have to minimize the mistakes. For example, beginning in May, Hammonton will face Egg Harbor Township twice (back to back), then will travel to Richland to face the Hermits in a two game series all in a five day span.  Getting ahead early on the scoreboard will prove to be key in terms of the success of the team.

As the season rapidly approaches, the team looks to strive for the playoffs. The schedule will be difficult; however the players are ready to take on the challenge of finishing with a solid record.