By Jim Hintelmann
RUMSON – After a two-year absence, Kevin James has returned as head coach at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional, and he has an optimistic outlook this year.
“I expect to have a productive offense this season,” James said. “The hitters are learning a new philosophy through the preseason. Pitching will be our strength. We have three with varsity experience.”
The top returning pitcher will be junior Morgan MaGuire, who already is planning to attend Old Dominion. Other pitchers will be Shane McCarthy, who missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery, and Brian Smith.
Also back are third baseman Tom Culligan, shortstop Max Goione, second baseman Chase Caruso, outfielders Chris Drummond, Sam Chandler and Colin Heath, designated hitter Chris Jewitt and catchers Jake D’Amelio and Mickey Schiluter.
Defense is the main problem for James.
“We averaged three or four errors a game last year,” he said. “We’ll have to clean that up this season.
“I was at St. John Vianney but I teach at Rumson,” said James, who coached 10 years at Rumson before going over to SJV. “Talking to the kids in the hallways at Rumson gave me the itch to start coaching again and be back on the field.”
