Honesdale Eagles setting their sights on another trip to the Teener League finals
HONESDALE — Ryan Dressler, Mike Modrovsky, Eric Eisele and Keith Shaffer took over coaching duties for the Honesdale Eagles three years ago.
Under their direction, the team has embarked on a run of success that's featured back-to-back appearances in the Wayne County Teener League finals. And this season things are headed in a similar direction.
The Eagles are currently 8-0 and all alone atop the standings. They're also coming off a big win over Carbondale Wednesday evening at historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.
“We have a really balanced mix,” said Head Coach Ryan Dressler. “We have veteran players who’ve been to the finals the past two seasons and younger kids who are also contributing.”
Weather permitting, Honesdale will be back in action Monday night on the shores of The Big Lake. There, the Eagles will take on Paupack Purple in a game with huge playoff implications.
“We played them early in the season and it was a great game,” Coach Dressler said.
“We won 10-5, but they really batted us. It was a one-run game until the bottom of the sixth when we scored four runs. Both teams played very well.”
First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. at the Wallenpaupack Area varsity diamond.
All-Around Leaders
Any discussion of this year's Honesdale squad must begin with its battle-tested veterans.
Peter Modrovsky, Nate Greene, Nick Martin and Travis Beisner are all 15-years-old and each brings something special to the Eagles' line-up.
Modrovsky pitches and patrols centerfield. Greene also toes the rubber and holds down the Hot Corner. Martin catches. Beisner provides pitching depth while also earning starts at various infield spots.
“It would be tough to find a better core group of guys to lead this team,” Coach Dressler said. “They love the game and play it the right way. Each of them has a high baseball IQ and they set a great example for our younger players.”
With this talented quartet leading the way, Honesdale has dominated just about every game its plays to this point in the season.
The Eagles opened up with a 24-1 massacre of Carbondale 2 on Opening Day. They followed that up with a hard-fought 9-7 win over Paupack White and the aforementioned 10-5 victory against Paupack Purple. The local lads also own a lopsided decision over Delaware Valley
To date, Honesdale has piled up eight straight wins and a staggering run differential of 107-19.
“We hit from top to bottom,” Coach Dressler said. “We've been able to keep pressure on the defense with quality at-bats and timely hits throughout our line-up.”
Waking Up the Echoes
Honesdale wasted no time at all in taking control of Wednesday's win up in Cooperstown.
The Eagles plated three runs in the bottom of the first, then cruised to a 4-0 shutout behind the pitching of Jared Ahern.
Nick Martin ignited the initial rally with a booming triple, then trotted home when Ahern ripped a three-bagger of his own.
Trevor Dressler worked a walk and promptly swiped second. Two outs later, Connor Tirney delivered in the clutch by ripping a line drive to right. His single chased home both Ahern and Dressler, giving Honesdale a 3-0 lead.
As it turned out, that's more of a cushion than Ahern would need. The Eagles ace came within one out of a complete game, working 6.2 innings and only coming out due to pitch count rules.
The savvy southpaw allowed just four hits while walking two and piling up 12 strikeouts.
“Jared really pitched a gem,” said Coach Dressler. “He definitely had all his pitches working.”
Honesdale tacked on one more run in the third when Modrovksy led off with a single and stole second. Peter eventually scampered home courtesy of a Martin RBI groundout.
The defensive highlight of the game came via Owen Pender. The athletic left fielder saved this shutout with a brilliant, running grab on a line drive that was tailing toward the line.
On the Horizon
Wednesday's victory at Doubleday Field proved to be a memorable outing for everyone involved.
Coaches and players visited the Baseball Hall of Fame before the game, leaving the national shrine wide-eyed and smiling.
“It was a great experience,” said Coach Dressler. “Hearing about the history of the game and learning about all the Major Leaguers who've played on Doubleday Field was really inspiring.”
It's a day that none of them will soon forget … and a win that the Eagles staff hopes will generate even more momentum in the race for third straight appearance in the Wayne County Teener League championship series.
“We've played outstanding defense in support of quality outings by our pitchers all season,” Coach Dressler said. “Plus, our pitchers and catchers do a great job of controlling the running game.”
“This year's team has a lot of playmakers who can get the job done.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wayne County Teener League Baseball Honesdale Eagles Cooperstown NY
