PORT ANGELES — Wintery weather be damned, the Wilder Baseball season is just around the corner.
The North Olympic Peninsula All-Star 16-18-year-old baseball team will hold its first players’ meeting on May 14 at Civic Field in Port Angeles, with the season starting a week later.
Players and fans can expect to see some familiar faces, including a few Wilder alums, in the traditional Pacific Northwest power’s dugout this summer.
Manager Rob Merritt returns for his fourth year at the helm, looking to add to an impressive history that includes five of the last 10 state championships and nine total.
Mike Politika comes back as a full-time coach, while fellow former players Caleb Grubb, Scott Napiontek, J.R. Flores and Nason Beckett will be coaching their second season with the program.
Former pro, UW standout and Wilder alum Matt Lane will also coach part-time this season.
“We’re excited for the season to get under way,” Merritt said in a news release. “In addition to the Port Angeles kids, we consistently have key contributors from players who will join us from other nearby high schools.
“In addition to helping the program compete, it is extremely rewarding to watch as new friendships and relationships are developed throughout the season.
“Provided we can develop some pitching depth, we believe that with hard work we can continue our tradition of being a highly competitive ballclub.”
Wilder finished 23-15 with a young roster last summer, getting eliminated at the Northwest Babe Ruth 16-18-year-old state tournament with a 2-2 mark.
As many as 11 players from that team could return this year.
Those who do will play a demanding schedule that includes many of the top teams from around the Northwest.
Among the tournaments on the schedule are the Post 9 Showcase Classic in Salem, Ore., the D’Ambrosia Realtors Diamond Classic in Clackamas, Ore., and the 12th annual Dick Brown Memorial Firecracker Classic the first weekend of July in Port Angeles.
Prospective players, including those interested in trying out for a roster spot, should plan on attending the May 14 gathering.
The meeting is set to begin promptly at 6 p.m. in the south locker room of Civic Field.
Merritt said players whose high school teams are still involved in the baseball playoffs should attend but will not be allowed to practice.
Wilder Auto Center is once again the team’s lead sponsor, with several other local businesses offering support as well.
The season begins with a three-game series at Oak Harbor Legion, starting on May 22.
