After coming off a trip to the Class L State Championship game a season ago, the Guilford baseball team is primed and ready to finish the job this spring.

With several talented veterans returning to the fold, Head Coach Nick Merullo is confident his squad can see continued improvement on the diamond.

“We have seen steady improvement each season. In 2021, we were 2-16 - the worst team in the league,” Merullo said. “In year two in 2022, we improved to 12-11 overall, made the SCC Tournament, and won a game in the state tournament before losing to Windsor (the eventual state champion). In year three in 2023, we went 24-4 overall, winning the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) and making the Class L state title game, losing in a great game to Brookfield. I’m looking forward to seeing how this year’s group comes together as a team, and helping them improve each day.”

As Guilford hopes to capitalize on last year’s run, Merullo is relying on his strong senior core, comprised of athletes that all bring something special to the table.

“We do have a great group of five seniors: Bryce Meder (pitcher/outfielder), Mike Buccaro (catcher/first baseman), Colin Pompano (third baseman), Joe Tafro (left fielder), and Brandon Rosa (pitcher/infielder), who will all be counted on as leaders,” said Merullo. “Juniors Lucas Ametrano (center fielder) and Lucas Deshefy (shortstop) will also be key leaders for our team.”

Meder was an All-State and All SCC player last season, Deshefy was the SCC Player of the Year, All-SCC, and All-State, and Ametrano also earned All-SCC honors.

Guilford has 12 returning players this spring, signaling even further that the squad can rely on experience to help fuel success.

“We have 12 returning lettermen from last year’s team, as well as a number of sophomores and juniors that will be making the transition from junior varsity (JV)/freshman baseball to the varsity team this spring,” said Merullo. “The core of the team gained some great experience during last year’s SCC Championship season, along with an appearance in the CIAC Class L final.”

Although the Grizzlies achieved so much last season, Merullo doesn’t want his athletes to ride that high too much but rather stay locked in and focused during the upcoming campaign. He knows that come postseason time, it is a different game, and the team has to be at their best in order to find success once again.

“Tournament baseball is so difficult, where one loss can end your season,” said Merullo. “Last year, we went on a streak of 18 straight wins before we lost in the state championship. That was a memorable run by a special group of players. We have some good, experienced kids coming back, and hope that we can continue to build off last season's success. We hope to continue to improve as a team throughout the regular season, and make sure we are playing our best baseball when the tournament begins at the end of May.”

For the second-straight year, the Grizzlies are hosting a fundraiser to raise money for the upcoming season. The fundraiser will be held at Ashley’s Ice Cream in Guilford on Thursday, March 21.

Joe Ametrano, owner of Ashley’s Ice Cream, held the fundraiser last season to give the team an opportunity to play a game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.

“It was Lucas Ametrano‘s idea to continue on with the tradition of an Ashley’s fundraiser. He now works there to help make the ice cream, he helps deliver the ice cream in the summers, and he is now even scooping it out front,” said Ametrano. “The best thing about the fundraiser is it brings the boys together, outside of baseball, and they get to act like a team, pulling on the same rope to attain a goal.”

This year, Ashley’s Ice Cream will donate 20% of their gross profits to the Guilford Dugout Club. The team’s goal is to raise $2,000, but Merullo is appreciative of however much is raised.

Unlike last year, Merullo is uncertain if the team will have the chance to play at Dunkin’ Park this year, due to limited availability at the stadium.

“Our fundraiser will go to a variety of equipment items to support the development of the team, including a new high-velocity pitching machine, as well as new protective screens/netting to use for on-field batting practice and training,” Merullo said. “We are looking into the possibility of a game at another pro stadium, but that is still to be determined.”

Looking ahead to the forthcoming days on the field, Merullo hopes to see his team achieve many accolades, both individually and as a team, but primarily values the growth of each athlete as they move through the campaign.

“As much as we hope to be competitive on the field and play meaningful baseball in June, the biggest goal for our program is to continue to develop outstanding young men who will take a positive baseball experience with them as they move forward with their lives,” said Merullo. “They only have a short amount of time as baseball players, but we hope to teach them valuable life lessons and skills that these young men can take with them moving forward to help them be the best versions of themselves as they continue to grow and develop.”

Merullo is assisted by Matt Merullo, Jeff Mainetti, John Foti, Jeff Letournea, and Ralph Russo.