Big Bats Should Lead Boca Christian In 2A-13

Jack Havelka and Logan Rataiczak will take the reigns of the Blazer’s offense.

The Boca Raton Christian Blazers are set to take the next step. They finished 13-13 in 2014 before losing twice to their rival, Zion Lutheran, in the playoffs. With plenty of work put in over the offseason, they hope this is the year they get past the Lions and claim the district title.

They would seem to have the talent necessary for such an accomplishment. The Blazers return a young core that has been playing in Manager Clint Erickson’s system for several years, and also have some impressive newcomers, so the hopes are high.

“It’s been great. I think my juniors and seniors are bringing a lot of leadership,” said Erickson about having so many experienced players still on the roster. “They’re really buying into what we’re doing and they’re staying committed to what we’re putting in place. They come here to work. They come to get better every day, which I’m excited about.”

There is little doubt that the Boca Christian had would it took from an offensive standpoint in 2014. As a team, they boasted a remarkable .334/.455/.479 batting line. They only lost three seniors from that squad but two of them, Grant Gardiner and Tommy Havelka, were highly responsible for those numbers. Both raked at a rate over .400 while Gardiner led the team with 26 RBIs and Havelka had an outrageous .556 OBP.

Blaize McSweeney is member of the team’s new senior class and his Manager expects him to assume a leadership position while also opening some eyes with his play on the field.

“Well, our seniors last year were really great,” McSweeney commented. “And no one can ever take their positions, their legacies, but we can do the same things that they did and definitely bring a lot of leadership to this team. In a different way, certainly, but we’re very capable of it.”

Logan Rataiczak, a junior, also looks poised to fill some of the void left by Havelka and Gardiner. As a sophomore, he reached base in over half of his plate appearances while also posting an astounding .632 slugging percentage. After putting in a lot of strength and conditioning work, he hopes to only improve on those numbers.

Jack Havelka, Tommy’s younger brother, should be a big part of the offense as well. A junior shortstop and returning starter, Havalka is a “solid hitter” and “somebody to keep an eye on,” according to Erickson. The shortstop misses the chemistry he had with his brother, who played center field, but believes he is ready to carry on the Havelka tradition.

“I’m trying to follow what he did because he set a good standard for Boca Christian. He was a captain and he worked hard so I try to copy him.”

Blaize McSweeney makes a throw from third during fielding practice.

For all the production at the plate in 2014, the Blazer’s often ran into trouble on the mound. They have been hard at work developing their arms to address the issues though.

“I’ve taken more of an interest in trying to learn more myself,” said Erickson. “I’ve worked closely with some outside guys who put on a few pitching clinics for us and I am looking at incorporating more of a long toss program to strengthen up our arms. I think those things can enhance what we’re trying to do.”

Erickson expects Rataiczak to lead a rotation that includes Havelka, McSweeney and senior Adriel Martinez, with newcomer Zach Hofmann also figuring in to the equation. Martinez was the team’s top pitcher by way of ERA last season but has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the fall. Both Manager and teammates expect him to be ready to go by the start of the season.

With a solid lineup, improved pitching, and a little more seasoning under their belts, the Blazers think they are ready to make an impact in district 2A-13. With Zion Lutheran standing in their way, they know it will be no easy task, however.

“It’s just going to take a lot of hard work and commitment,” said McSweeney, “I see a whole lot of hard work and commitment in this team so, I’m very optimistic.”

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