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Doylestown looks to turn corner after sluggish start

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Thomas Spratt will always cherish his time playing for the Doylestown Legion Post 210 18U team.

“That’s where I gained confidence,” said Spratt, who was a catcher and infielder at Central Bucks West. “Playing Legion ball always meant a lot to me. I struggled hitting in high school, but I always had a good arm and glove.

“I always respected what Legion ball was about and I felt really comfortable with it.”

Spratt decided to take it a step further.

Upon his graduation from Chestnut Hill College last spring, Spratt took over the reins of the Doylestown Legion team from longtime and legendary head coach Steve Ruane.

Spratt accepted a position as associate director of Total Skills, a comprehensive youth sports program in the Doylestown area directed by Spratt’s father, Robert, who also is the head baseball coach at Chestnut Hill College. His position at Total Skills has helped build the Doylestown team, as Spratt has used his presence to strengthen both programs.

Ruane approached Spratt about taking over the Doylestown program, and he didn’t hesitate to accept. However, going from player to head coach certainly provided a contrasting outlook.

“It was a big adaptation,” he said. “Your perspective changes a lot, and you certainly look at situations differently.

“But I was able to relate to the younger guys, and realize their situations as a former player and now a coach.”

This season, the Tigers are off to a 1-6 start, and Spratt understands his team’s issues.

“We are struggling right now,” he stated. “We haven’t had our whole team together for one game this season. Once everything comes together with that problem, we’ll be better.

“We also have had our share of one- and two-run losses. We’re right there with teams.”

Spratt cited the play of outfielder and pitcher Jackson Mott, a former Plumstead Christian standout who will continue his career at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has paced the team with his arm and his bat.

CB West product Aiden Kim, who is headed to John Hopkins in the fall, has led the team’s pitching efforts, and he threw six and two-third innings of no-hit ball and Luke Poley recorded the final out with a strikeout to give Doylestown its lone victory in a 4-0 win over Pennridge.

“Jackson has been hitting the ball and throwing well,” said Spratt. “Aiden has definitely been sharp for us all season.”

Bill Zentmayer has been solid in center field, and Jackson Cunnane has been steady at first base and also on the mound.

“They are both gamers,” added Spratt. “They both can help motivate the team. With Cunnane, we have four or five guys who can throw for us.”

Spratt also noted the play of Luke Birkhead, Teegan Mason, Matt Sharkey, Nick Baeta and Mike Koldhoff, all of whom have been regular contributors.

Despite the team’s current woes, Spratt is confident his team can turn the corner in the upcoming weeks.

“I definitely think we will be a good team,” he stressed. “We’ll be a tough team to play in the playoffs.

“We’ve had a lot of close games. The league is very tight, and there really isn’t a team that has pulled away. It is all about where you finish.”


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