Sal Raccuglia-Wilson

Filling out the lineup card wasn’t exactly a difficult task for Bulldogs’ head coach Sal Raccuglia last season. Wilson had one of the most talented rosters in the state. It included twelve seniors and six Division I commits. The Bulldogs averaged more than eight runs per game. They were the highest-scoring team in Berks County. After losing to rival Gov. Mifflin 5-4 in the Berks County championship, Wilson bounced back by blowing out the Mustangs 11-0 in the District 3-6A Final. The Bulldogs also claimed a District 3 title in 2019 by pounding Hempfield 11-2. Most of the players that led Wilson to 41 victories in those two seasons have moved on. Luke Holman (Alabama), Randy Carlo (Bryant), Danny Estrada (New Orleans), Kyle Cincinnati (Maryland Eastern Shore), Ryan Kelly (McDaniel), Gabe Bunn (Misericordia), and A.J. Trayer all graduated last year. That means Raccuglia will be writing a lot of new names on the lineup card. One mainstay in the heart of the batting order remains in 6’3, 225-pound senior Rueben Livingston. The all-county selection will once again be one of the most feared sluggers in the area. Livingston hit .415 with a team-high six home runs and 28 RBI. He had seven doubles, two triples, and an OPS of 1.422. The Kent State commit will man first and third base when he’s not on the mound. He threw just two innings last season due to arm trouble. Raccuglia said Livingston, who looks like he could lineup at TE or DE for the football team, is even stronger this year. The question is how many fastballs will he see with so many inexperienced players hitting around him. Raccuglia knows that Livingston will need to be patient. Rafael Fernandez, Ryan Sekulski, Nick Crocona, and Tommy Hunsicker are part of the supporting cast. It won’t be a surprise to see Wilson bunting more in 2022. Raccuglia discussed his pitching staff which will rely on Livingston, Cole Leaman, and southpaw Matt VanOstenbridge. Only Holman (9-1, 0.85) tossed more innings than Leaman last year for the (22-3) Bulldogs. Leaman (3-0, 2.74) punched out 55 batters over 30.2 frames. He’s headed to Lehigh. Raccuglia talked about his relationship with assistant coach Bill Underwood. After pitching at Kent State, Underwood was drafted in the 17th round by the Yankees in 1992. Raccuglia is (130-89-1) since taking over the program in 2011. The Muhlenberg grad emphasized that there are a lot of very well-coached teams in Berks County. He also mentioned how beneficial the team’s recent trip to Myrtle Beach was as a bonding experience. Wilson kicks off its schedule on Saturday afternoon at Liberty.