Danvers Nationals look to get back on top in the districts
By Joe McConnell / jmcconne@cnc.com

Danvers - Dave Gotts has been the Danvers National Little League Williamsport Tournament all-star manager since 1996, and during his long run at the helm his teams have captured the District 15 championship four times (1996, 1999, 2000, 2002). It’s been a while since they have enjoyed the sweet taste of victory, and Gotts would like nothing better than to close out the first decade of the new millennium with a district conquest.

Gotts has managed some outstanding athletes during his tenure, including J.B. MacDonald, who is currently playing for the Single A Tri-City ValleyCats, a minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros. MacDonald was on that 1999 District 15 championship squad, as one of its ace starting pitchers, not to mention starting shortstop.

The veteran manager has an eye for talent, and he envisions great things for this year’s team if everything remains the same.

“We have pitching depth, and a better hitting team than in recent past years,” Gotts said. “They’ll go as far as they will allow themselves to go with added confidence.”

Rafael Tylus is the lone returning all-star from last year’s 1-2 club.

With the games about to get under way (Saturday, June 27 vs. Beverly East at Wenham’s Cheeseman Field 3 p.m.), the rainy month of June has caught coaches like Gotts, who are trying to find a suitable spot for each player on the roster, still scrambling for a starting lineup.

“We’re still trying to figure out our pitching staff,” Gotts said.

But with so many available arms, it’s a nice problem to have. Peter Merry, Vinny Clifford, and Kevin Hodgkins are all throwing the ball very well, and by Friday Gotts hopes to have an answer on who will be the starting pitcher against Beverly East.

“This is the best corps of pitchers we have had in several years,” Gotts said.

Tyler King is the probable starting catcher, but if he is on the mound there’s always Merry and Hodgkins to fill-in.

“King is probably our best catcher, but he’s also a pretty good pitcher,” Gotts said.

Sean Lundergan is slated to start at first base. But don’t rule out Clifford or Merry over there if the lineup needs tweaking.

Kyle Geanoulis is one of the leading candidates at second base, along with Connor Rollins and Rafael Tylus. Hodgkins joins the mix at shortstop with Geanoulis and Rafael Tylus. John Buccheri has the inside track at third base, and the reinforcements consist of Erik D’Orlando and Clifford.

John Long is the probable leftfielder, and Mike Calascibetta could also help out there if need be. Tom Cadmus appears to be the right fielder, but there are those names again, Clifford and Merry, who are also talented outfield candidates. They are capable of helping out in a moment’s notice.

Eddie Tylus, the only 11-year-old on the team and Rafael’s brother, has the speed to handle all the shots heading to centerfield. He too is a pitching candidate. D’Orlando could fill-in for him if that situation arises during the districts.

Gotts will have help along the sidelines, with assistants Dan Lundergan and Joyce Buccheri helping out with a myriad of tasks that goes into hopefully producing another quality championship product.

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