The Queens Grant Stallions will be playing in a new conference this coming season. In the new PAC-7 Conference, the Stallions expect to immediately compete for the top spot. Coach Dan Kerr is optimistic about his teams chances since the ball club, although, still young have a solid year of experience behind them.
Senior John Orlowski, P/C who is the clubs power hitter and top starting pitcher, and junior Spencer Smith, OF who were both 2017 All-Conference player selections will lead the team this season. Also, junior shortstop and pitcher Bryce Gorospe a 2016 All-Conference player is expected to make a major contribution.
The team is returning seven starters from last year’s club. Orlowski, .352 batting average with 10 extra base hits including a home run. Smith, Gorospe, Andy Duran, OF, Nick Kuebler, IF, Jacob Beard, OF, Clay Thaxton, 1B/3B, Greg Oriani are all expected see a lot of action.
Team strengths include being seven pitchers deep anchored by Orlowski as the top starter, Gorospe in the number two slot, followed by nifty lefty Jacob Beard and sophomore Jacob LaPlant returns to the rotation. There are more good arms in the bullpen which is a huge plus for this year’s Stallions. The team can hit and should generate runs. Defensively, they have a tight infield, good team speed, with an outfield who can cover enough ground. The boys spent a lot of time in the weight room during the off-season, which is expected to pay huge dividends at the plate.  Also, the team has some newcomers who are expected to make their mark and contribute to the team by providing important bench strength.
The school built a new baseball stadium last season, they have added more seating behind home plate and new dugouts are planned for completion. There is a short left field fence 300 feet from home plate, however, there is a miniature “Green Monster” similar to Fenway Park in Boston, its a 12 foot high wood fence. This distance for Orlowski, Gorospe and Thaxton certainly is reachable and there should be more home runs hit over the “Stallion Monster” this season. The fences are deeper in right field and center field.
