By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school baseball preview for the Aurora Greenmen’s upcoming 2023 season:

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Trent Dalton.

Coaching Staff: Robbie McKinney, John Scott, Victor Torres, Jake Knapp, Collin Witherspoon, Andrew Knapp, Derek Knapp.

2022 Record: 14-7 overall, 11-3 Suburban League.

Returning Lettermen (13): Ben Schechterman, sr.; Nathan Balkinsoon, sr.; Nathan Fletcher, jr.; Andrew Eichenauer, sr.; Zach Williams, jr.; Dominic Trivisonno, jr.; Nolan Just, sr.; Alex Harrell, sr.; Sam Retton, sr.; Dean Larrance, jr.; Jameson Embrescia, jr.; Nate Albanese, jr.; Sam Bianco, sr.

Lettermen Lost (9): Jack Cardaman, Ryan Weber, Kepler Rhoden, Tyler Fernandez, Hunter Lane, Colin Skolaris, Aiden Grubb, AJ Alexander, Anthony Dolata.

Team Captains: Ben Schechterman, Sam Retton.

Undderclassmen to Watch: Brady Carlson, Carson Smith.

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We play a difficult schedule, but the preparation leading up to it has been phenomenal,” Dalton said. “The guys have really come together and continue to come together. They know in order to have a successful season, they must be unified. This is why they have come up with the motto: ‘Unity in adversity’.”

INFIELD

Two returning all-conference performers and a college commit anchor the infield for the Greenmen.

Balkisoon and Bianco were named All-Suburban League last spring, while Jayce Unverferth has committed to Notre Dame College.

Expect Embrescia, Lawrence and Eichenauer to all fill out spots across the infield throughout the season for the Greenmen.

OUTFIELD

Schechterman spotlights the outfield for Aurora. The senior standout, who is also leads the program’s pitching staff, was ranked as a Preseason All-American by Rawlings-Perfect Game and has committed to play at Ohio State University. 

Retton is the only other returning lettermen expected to receive time in the outfield, while a new group, including Ryan Tierney, Brady Carlson, Carson Smith, Jacob Truck, Jacob Cici, Dylan VonderHaar and Tyler Tartibini, will all get their opportunity to earn a spot.

CATCHERS

The starter is Trivisonno, with Will Pififfner also expected to be there.

PITCHING

Multiple college commits lead a sparkling Aurora staff.

The aforementioned Schechterman, along with Nate Fletcher (Rhode Island) and Nolan Just (Clarion) should give the Greenmen a formidable group.

Zach Williams, Alex Harrel, Connor Tonsing, Nate Albanese and Kyle Hanna all will also be arms for the Greenmen.

SCHEDULE

April 4: at Copley

April 5: Cuyahoga Falls

April 6: at St. Ignatius

April 10: Tallmadge

April 11: at Kent Roosevelt

April 13: Barberton

April 14: at Strongsville

April 15: at Olmstead Falls

April 18: Highland

April 19: at Revere

April 21: Wadsworth

April 22: at Hudson

April 24: Copley

April 25: at Cuyahoga Falls

April 27: at Tallmadge

May 2: Kent Roosevelt

May 3: at Barberton

May 4: at Walsh Jesuit

May 6: Hoban

May 9: at Highland

May 11: Revere

May 12: Avon

May 13: Brecksville