Magics have high hopes for veteran team

Graphic courtesy of Joseph Nicholas

By MAXWELL SCHEIBELHOFFER

BGNN sports writer

The Magics baseball team is coming off a tough 7-16 season finishing second to last in the Suburban league.

But this team is really excited for what’s to come this year as the coaching staff has really developed talent well and are excited to see these guys put out good quality baseball.

“Every year your goal is to win the league, but last year lots of injuries really cost us,” Barberton Head Baseball Coach Joseph Perretta said.

Specifically, two injuries to starting pitchers really hurt the Magics. This is a team that has four seniors and seven juniors that is 11 out of the 20 varsity baseball players. They have an experienced team looking for more. The players to look out for or players the coaches are relying on heavily this year are Marco Silva, senior outfield/pitcher/first baseman. He’s a big two-way player, great fielder mostly in the outfield and he is one of the top arms the Magics have.

Another player to look out for is Cole Macko, senior third baseman/shortstop/pitcher. He is another two-way player, great fielder in the infield and another top arm.

“We’re shooting for league title this year,” Perretta said. “Got a great mix of guys who’ve been here before and also guys that are young and developing.”

The two opponents to look out for Barberton to play against this year are always Highland and Tallmadge. Barberton has never beat either of them in a long time. Highland is defending the league title this year. The opening day starter will be between Marco Silva, Jayden Patterson, and Cole Macko.

Huge opening day game to kick things off for the Magics against 44203 rival the Norton Panthers at 5 p.m. Friday, March 28 in Norton. Norton finished 15-11 last year.