Nick Davey wasn’t looking to be a head baseball coach at the high school level.
The Albany Dutchmen’s manager said he was content being an assistant at Guilderland High School when Christian Brothers Academy contacted him about its coaching vacancy.
“I wasn’t actively looking for a job,” said Davey, who manages Albany’s Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League franchise in the summer. “They called me, and after a couple of discussions I felt like it was a good fit for me.”
Davey isn’t the only new coach in the Big 10 this year. Albany, Amsterdam, Catholic Central and LaSalle all have new leaders, which Davey said will lead to a more competitive league.
“I think with the new addition of the coaches and the quality of the coaching this season, I think you’ll see more parity,” said Davey. “There’s not going to be any gimmies. You’re going to be in a dogfight every series.”
CBA has several players back from last year’s Big 10 championship squad, including two pitchers and the majority of the infield.
“I think we’re going to be able to pitch and play defense,” said Davey. “Every scrimmage game we’ve been in, it’s because of our pitching and defense.”
The pitching staff offers a mix of experienced talent and some young arms. Seniors Matt Zappone and Ned Monthie lead the way along with juniors Kevin Wilson and Jordan Mitchell, while Davey said he is looking for development out of sophomores Justin Decker and Jesse Curtin.
“If they keep developing like they have so far, they’ll do some great things for us,” said Davey. “We just have to get them some innings.”
CBA’s infield is set with veterans Chase Crawford, Christian Maksuti, Zack DeThomasis and Gus Flores back.
“Our shortstop, Chase Crawford, has had what I would call a good scrimmage season for us,” said Davey. “We’ll be looking at him to be our leadoff hitter.”
The Nick Davey era at CBA began Tuesday with a non-league game against Albany Academy. The Brothers travel to Bethlehem Saturday before opening their Big 10 season next week.
