By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Before Bellingham High’s baseball season got underway, coach TJ Chiappone offered some very telling comments about the makeup of his squad.

“We lack experience and depth,’’ he said, “and none of our pitchers threw any varsity innings last year. But, in spite of being a very young team, I’m excited about the players’ future. They’re coachable and willing to learn. They just need game experience.’’

The Blackhawks’ 1-3 record at the Bulletin’s deadline no doubt reflects Chiappone’s words. Two of the three setbacks, however, were one-run losses. Chiappone, nevertheless, is hopeful that “as the season moves along our team improves and the chemistry meshes.’’

Nine seniors graduated from last year’s contingent that finished their season with a date in the playoffs.

“Our goal for this season is to improve daily in practice and in games,’’ Chiappone noted. “And, hopefully, that improvement will lead to a tournament berth.’’

The Blackhawks’ infield features two seniors — Colin Sherman, who can play first base, second and third, and catcher John Sullivan. “We’ll rely on them to hit consistently and produce offense,’’ Chiappone said. “They’re versatile and provide quality leadership. And they bring experience to the infield group.’’

Three sophomores and a junior round out the infield. The sophs are Brock Barry (shortstop), Eric Johnston (second base) and Doug Walton (shortstop, third base, outfield) and junior Sam Elliott (first base). “They’re coachable and will improve,’’ Chiappone emphasized.

The outfield includes seniors Ryan Visconti (center field) and Jackson Fantini, junior Conor Reilly (left field), freshman Brady Iarussi (right field, third base and catcher), and eighth-grader Colin Hughes.

“Ryan is the cornerstone of the outfield,’’ said Chiappone, who’s in his second stint as head coach. “He’s solid in all aspects. “Brady has lots of versatility, and Jackson and Colin provide depth.’’

Freshman Nick Fantini is the Blackhawks’ designated-hitter. “Nick shows lots of promise at the plate,’’ Chiappone noted. After four games, Fantini was hitting .429.

Junior right-hander Payton Young is the squad’s top starter, relying on a fastball and a curve. “He’s a power pitcher who’s got good velocity,’’ Chiappone said. At the Bulletin’s deadline, Young had chalked up 19 innings that produced a 1-1 record, an E.R.A of 1.11, and 26 strikeouts.

When Sherman and Visconti aren’t in the field, they’ll be on the mound. Sherman is a right-hander and Visconti is a southpaw. “They’re off-speed pitchers,’’ Chiappone said. “Sherman has an effective curve ball and will get significant innings. Visconti relies on a change-up.’’

The bullpen will include right-handers Barry and Elliott, sophomore right-hander Julian Ames, and freshman left-hander Noah Sylvia. “They’ll all be utilized as relief pitchers,’’ Chiappone offered.

Andy Nolan, who coached the varsity for the last three years, is back as a varsity assistant. He’s working with the pitchers. Mark Rebello is coaching the infielders, and Corey Chiappone is working with the outfielders.

As far as style goes, the Blackhawks likely will play more small ball than go for the fences. “We’ll need to manufacture runs,’’ Chiappone said. 

Bunting, stealing and situational hitting will no doubt be prevalent in Bellingham’s future.