Brian Kopetsky-Muhlenberg

The Muhlenberg baseball team has experience on the field and in the dugout. There’s a lot of optimism in Laureldale as the season approaches. Head coach Brian Kopetsky surpassed 300 career victories last year. He enters his 23rd season as the Muhls’ manager with a record of (305-196). He reflected on being part of the Muhlenberg community for such a long period of time as a coach and a teacher. Kopetsky told me that this year’s ball club knows what it takes to be successful. Luis Beato and Gio Cavanna return in the outfield. Infielders Sean Levan, Sam Martinez, Jacob Rodriguez, and Cameron Burr are back as well. Beato and Levan were all-division picks a season ago when the Muhls reached the Berks County and District 3-5A semifinals. They lost 11-5 to Southern Lehigh in the opening round of the state playoffs to finish (14-11). Beato will patrol centerfield. The 6’3, 195-pound senior is headed to Panola Junior College in Carthage, Texas. Kopetsky said, “He’s got the size, he’s got the speed, he’s got the arm, he hits for power.” 13 of Beato’s 22 hits last year went for extra bases. He led the team with 25 runs and 5 triples. Kopetsky emphasized that Levan is like a coach on the field. The senior SS/P had a 1.83 ERA over 42 innings with 38 strikeouts. Brad Coley made just five appearances last season due to an injury. The 6’1 lefty (1-0, 1.14 ERA) is committed to Alvernia. He punched out 17 in 12.1 innings. Coley will be a workhorse on the mound, according to Kopetsky. The veteran skipper has a handful of reliable pitchers including Burr, Drew Fidler, and Derek Wilson who features a nasty slider. Burr hit .302 as a freshman. Martinez provides some pop at first base. He was second on the squad with 21 RBI. Rodriguez drew a team-high 22 walks to go along with 5 doubles, 3 triples, and a home run. Kopetsky noted that this is a very competitive group of players. They’re trying to repeat as Division 2 champions. We talked about playing under the lights at Gochnauer Field. Kopetsky believes that his team thrives off of that atmosphere. The Muhls kick off their schedule at home on Saturday night against Stroudsburg.