“Roberts Rankings”-Baseball

Here are my 2022 preseason Berks League baseball rankings. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow! It’s also important to keep in mind the uniqueness of baseball. Some teams are much more competitive when their ace is on the mound.

Muhlenberg returns its entire infield and two starters in the outfield including 6’3, 195-pound CF Luis Beato. A healthy Brad Coley will make a big difference in Laureldale. The 6’1 lefty had a 1.14 ERA in five appearances last year. The Muhls are the clear favorite in Division 2. Division 1 is a different story. You could make a strong argument for Gov. Mifflin, Wilson, or Exeter this season. The Mustangs are the defending Berks County champions. Junior SS/P Tyler Minick is committed to UConn. Rueben Livingston is the only returning starter for the Bulldogs. The 6’3, 225-pound 1B/3B/P is headed to Kent State. Wilson claimed the District 3-6A title last year. Lehigh commit Cole Leaman will anchor the rotation. Exeter will rely on all-division pitcher Deven Sheerin. Keep an eye out for sophomore outfielder Alex Kelsey. Hamburg returns six starters. The Hawks have a talented junior class that includes Luke Bensinger, Conner Licklider, Nate Gilbert, and Connor Gruber. Oley Valley has a new head coach as Jeff Pinder takes over for Nate Reed. The Lynx won their ninth District 3 championship a season ago. Garet Blankenbiller, who tossed a 2-hitter in the District Final versus Trinity, has moved on to Millersville. Fleetwood should be one of the most improved teams in the county. All-division selections Aiden Soumas and Mark Piskorski are back for the Tigers. Chase Renner is at Penn State, but his younger brother Carson is a player to watch for Brandywine Heights. He’s one of seven returning starters for the Bullets. Kutztown will challenge Brandywine Heights in Division 4.

“The Great 8”

1. Muhlenberg (14-11) last year

2. Gov. Mifflin (21-7)

3. Wilson (22-3)

4. Exeter (11-9)

5. Hamburg (13-9)

6. Oley Valley (21-6)

7. Fleetwood (6-12)

8. Brandywine Heights (14-7)