By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Joe Santos hopes there’ll be plenty of senior moments for his Holliston High baseball team this season. He’s been patiently waiting for them.

The 34-year-old Santos, who’s in his eighth year as the Panthers’ coach, has gone seven years without a team that compiled a plus-.500 record. Last year’s squad posted a 10-12 record after splitting a pair of tourney games. Holliston did finish its regular season at 10-10 in 2018 but a playoff loss to Falmouth dropped the Panthers into the sub-.500 club.

Those two contingents have been his only tourney participants.

The personable Santos, however, has remained devoted and dedicated to getting his program on track and to contend for a Tri Valley League championship.

The last time Holliston won a TVL title occurred 32 years ago in 1991. But, the upbeat  Santos firmly believes 2023 will be different because six seniors are ready, willing and able to roll up their sleeves and make Holliston baseball a force again. 

“Our seniors are committed to be the group that turns our program around,’’ Santos said. “They all started as sophomores, took their lumps, but have remained baseball-first kids. I coached them in travel ball when they were 11 and back then they all talked about winning a league title and a state championship.’’

Santos’ optimism is based on his seniors’ ability and leadership, and a capable pitching staff comprised mostly of juniors.

“Our team strengths are experience, depth, and coachable players who are talented and skilled,’’ said Santos, who was a three-sport star at Holliston. “Nine of our players are in their third year as starters and we’ve got reserves who can fill in when necessary. I’ve been waiting for the senior group since I became head coach. Three of them have committed to playing college ball and another is mulling a collegiate offer.’’

The seniors include captain Owen McCarron, a pitcher-outfielder; third baseman Nick Larche; shortstop TJ Kiley; catcher Joey Gentile; centerfielder Andrew Denison; and Max Israel, a first baseman-outfielder.

Last year, McCarron was a TVL honorable-mention all-star who hit .347, had 20 RBIs and 26 hits. His on-base percentage was .405. He’ll play next year at St. Anselm College.

“Owen is a left-handed power hitter,’’ Santos said. “He’s got an outstanding work ethic, is a great teammate and is committed to the program. A right-handed pitcher, he’ll be used in relief.’’

Larche, who led the Panthers in hitting (.386) last year, was a TVL all-star. He had 27 hits, 11 for extra bases, and his on-base percentage was .500.

“Nick is the most naturally gifted hitter I’ve coached,’’ Santos offered. “He’s got great hand-eye coordination and a high baseball IQ. He’s both aggressive and patient at the plate and he’s skilled.’’

Kiley, who will play baseball and football at Westfield State, is a top-notch fielder. “TJ and Nick have played every inning of their high school careers,’’ Santos said. “TJ has improved after one year at shortstop. He’s stronger, quick, agile and has good hands. A big plus is his winning mentality.’’

Gentile, who’s got an offer to play at Westfield State, was chosen to play in the Mass. State Sophomore All-star Game in 2021. “Joey is a coach’s dream,’’ said Santos. “He’s a good listener and he’s got good instincts and a high baseball IQ. An easy-going player, he’s able to calm a pitcher down if needed, and he always gets quality at-bats.’’

Denison, who’ll play baseball at Anna Maria College, is a speedster, setting a school record in the 55-meter dash (6.71 seconds) during the indoor track season. “Andrew’s speed is game-changing,’’ Santos emphasized. “He’s our fastest player, he covers lots of ground and gets a good jump on the ball. Our leadoff hitter, he stole 13 bases in 14 games.’’

Israel has overcome several injuries but that hasn’t dampened his passion for the game. “Max is coachable, works hard and is solid on defense,’’ Santos noted. “He’s streaky at the plate but he’s got the ability to manufacture hits.’’

Four juniors and a sophomore form the core of the Panthers’ pitching staff. The juniors are right-handers Jake Schoenberg, Teddy Peters, and Nate McAdams, and lefty Albert Savino. Sophomore Arav Trajapati is a righty.

Schoenberg had a 3-3 record last year with an E.R.A. of 2.50. His opposition’s batting average was a meager .184. Peters was 2-3 with an E.R.A. of 2.02 and Savino hurled 17 1/3 innings, going 0-1 with one save and an E.R.A. of 2.82. Trajapati was 2-0 with a save.

”Our No. 1 pitcher, Jake is determined, has good velocity on his fastball (86 mph) and his approach is methodical,’’ Santos said. “He also throws a curve, change-up and a slider. An aspiring college player, he competed in the state sophomore all-star game last year. Teddy knows how to pitch, he has good control and can locate the ball. He’s our No. 2 pitcher.

“Albert is fearless in relief. He’s a crafty lefty whose assortment includes a fastball (81 mph), change-up and a sweeping slider. A reliever, Nate’s control is dependable. He throws strikes and keeps hitters of balance. Arav is a capable reliever who could become a starter. We’ve also got some underclassmen who could earn roster spots as pitchers.’’

Santos has three goals that he believes are realistic. 

“I want our kids to play the game the right way,’’ he stressed. “That means forget the way the pros play and compete as a team, not as individuals. I want them to develop and grow as players and citizens and the third goals is to focus on the next opportunity. We want to win the TVL crown and qualify for the playoffs but we must not look too far ahead. All these objectives are realistic because the players and coaches are all on the same page.’’ 

Santos knows what’s needed to produce a winning program — his playing career says it all. 

The Holliston native was a two-time TVL all-star in baseball and hockey. A pitcher and centerfielder, he was a two-time captain in baseball, played center in hockey and was a quarterback/safety in football.

“My philosophy of coaching is to see my players reach their potential and enjoy their athletic experience,’’ he noted. “If that’s occurring, then winning will follow. And, life lessons that can be learned in sports are overcoming adversity, being team-first competitors and being mentally tough.’’

Holliston, which began this season with a 4-2 record, is long overdue to become an elite baseball program. Santos is acutely aware that the time is right for his current cast to climb over .500 and achieve success.

Six seniors will play a key role and, for Joe Santos, it’s like the calvary has arrived.