At the end of last season, Catasauqua head baseball coach Steve Bradley was anxious about the 2020 season.

He believed a budding team with an overall 4-16 record that experienced its share of growing pains would mature into prime-time players.

With the start of the season in-doubt, Bradley’s anticipation is still climbing in hopes something can be salvaged from the spring 2020 season.

“We just didn’t have enough depth last season. We had four wins and we need to grow from that,” said Bradley before the shutdown.

“Most of the season we were competitive. I saw a lot of good things for us in the future last year, and I still have the same feeling for this season.”

The Roughies lost only three seniors from last year’s team, and return a solid core across the diamond.

Bradley’s excited about the chances of his senior pitching trio of Andrew Torres, Jacob Drummer, and Adam Reinhart. Sophomore Brandon Jenny, who saw considerable time last year, also figures in the mix.

“Our pitching will be better,” stated Bradley. “Our three seniors have a lot of experience, and they have the potential to be very good. Drummer (0-1, 2.73 ERA, 15 strikeouts in 15.1 innings) had an injury that sidelined him most of the season, but he looked good when he was out there.

“Reinhart also found a role with us last year,” said Bradley.

Torres (2-8, 4.14, 46 strikeouts in 49 innings) was the hard-luck victim of several outings last season.

He also is anticipating a strong season.

“I’m pretty confident on what our team will do this year,” said Torres. “We have the same talented guys as last year, and we added some freshmen that can definitely help us.

“Brandon (Jenny) has developed some new skills that’ll help, and Drummer will have a big impact. Overall with our pitchers, older players, and younger kids, we’ll definitely have a fun season ahead for us.”

Aside from pitching, Cole Schiffer will be back behind the plate. In the infield, Bailey Witt is back at first and Reinhart will anchor third when he isn’t pitching. Mason Schlofer, who played every position except catcher, is the favorite at short.

The outfield looks solid with Drummer, Derek Troxell, and Wesley Fotta. Freshmen Christian Fye and Anthonie Hunsicker will be in the loop.

“We [were] off to a good start with practice so far,” said Bradley before the schools closed. “We have a good group of freshmen that will help our depth.

“The kids are improving, and they’re looking forward to the season.”