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Pitching, Depth Strengths For Deerfield Academy

DEERFIELD, Ma. - Developing the right depth is what Pat Moriarty sees as a major plus now at Deerfield Academy.

“In my short period of time here one thing I like is the depth we’re adding,” noted the fourth-year head coach of the Big Green. “One of our primary goals was evening out the grades. We had 14 seniors my first year, but I think we’re there now. We’ve done a nice job of bringing in younger kids that are capable. We’re changing the culture with high-character and baseball-first guys.”

Five players in the program have made college commitments, four that are seniors led by Holy Cross commits Tyler Mudd and Thomas Leimkuhler who will form a one-two pitching punch for Deerfield. Mudd, the 40th-ranked 2021 in New England, is a left-hander who will also play outfield while Leimkuhler throws from the right side while also playing infield. 

“Our pitching at the top of the rotation is a strength,” pointed out Moriarty. “I see our top four pitchers as D-I guys. Then we have some younger guys that I have to figure out ways to give them innings.”

Ryan McHugh is the 105th-rated sophomore right-handed pitcher in the nation and committed to Harvard while uncommitted senior PJ Hamill is another that will see time on the hill. Senior Charlie Sinnott and junior southpaw Kiernan Keller are others expected to be in the mix with more pitching depth coming from juniors Jack Chorske and Henry Foster, sophomore Peter Shea and freshman Conor Moriarty, the son of the head coach.

Top returnees in the field in addition to Mudd and Leimkuhler are Andy Pelc (C/OF), the 17th-rated 2021 catcher in New England who is headed to play next year at Skidmore, and uncommitted infielder Kevin Griffin. Additionally, also back are seniors Davis Cook (IF), Sam MacKenzie (IF/C) and Sinnott (OF) along with juniors Tyrian Creagh (OF) and Keller (OF).

“Our strengths this year will be the quality and depth at every position - most notably the depth of our pitching staff and the length and flexibility of our batting order,” explained Moriarty, who is 18-19 in his time at Deerfield after posting a record of 183-77 in a dozen seasons as head coach with Springfield/Catholic and Pope Francis. “We have a very talented nucleus of players at Deerfield who have high baseball IQs and who respect the game of baseball. This is clearly the most-talented group that I have had at Deerfield.”

McHugh, Foster and Moriarty also play infield in addition to the potential to pitch, while more newcomers along with Hamill, Cherske and Shea include senior Skidmore commit Trey Bourque (C/IF), junior Geoffrey Jamiel (OF), sophomores Landon Whayne (OF) and Jake Rohan (IF) and freshman Caleb Kirkpatrick (IF), the second-rated 2024 first baseman in New England.

“Our weakness will be speed on the base paths,” admitted the Deerfield head coach, who points to a strong schedule as important in helping his squad become the team he wants them to be.

“Keeping guys focused on the task at hand is a concern knowing there’s no championship at the end of the season,” explained Moriarty about the 2021 campaign. “But the chance to play 14 to 16 games as if it’s your last is a great opportunity.”

Representing Deerfield and what the program stands for is important according to the head coach.

“We respect the game,” Moriarty pointed out. “We compete every pitch, we’re going to play all 21 outs and we will be feisty and aggressive and not let the other team dictate the play.”

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