Chagrin Falls Tigers

February 3, 2022
Dylan Hefflinger and PBR Ohio Staff
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

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With 2021 now in the past, PBR Ohio is eagerly anticipating bringing the Buckeye state the best 2022 high school coverage that can be found anywhere. Starting in January, we began releasing team previews for squads across the state. Ahead, we will have Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings coming your way.

To view the full list of 2022 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2022 Team Preview, click here.

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2022 Spring Team Preview: Chagrin Falls Tigers

Team Name: Chagrin Falls Tigers
Head Coach: Michael Sweeney
Division: II
2021 Record: 24-7
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/2

2022 Team Strengths:

We have a strong group of seniors who love to play baseball and should provide great leadership for us. We also have a strong tradition of baseball at Chagrin Falls. These guys have seen what it takes in order to be successful and know how to win as they have had nothing but success during their high school careers.

Coach Outlook: "We have a lot of holes to fill from last year's Regional team. We have some guys back with experience, but we will also have a lot of guys with not a lot of Varsity experience. I think we will figure it out, but it could take some time. We do have 2 of our top 4 starters back on the mound so that should help. "

Top Returning Players:

Andrew Kirkpatrick - 1B/P/C - Senior, 6’4”, 245 lbs., L/R, Andrew will be a 4 year starter for us (assuming we would have had a season in 2020) and will play at Wittenberg next season. Andrew has been outstanding for us during the 2 seasons that he played. I look for him to have a huge season this year - both on the mound and at the plate. 2021 Stats - .281 AVG, 25 H, 6 2B, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 24 R, 28 BB. On the mound, 5-2, 1.871 ERA, 26 K, 15 BB, 33.2 IP.
Leo Fornara - OF/P - Senior, 5’9”, 175 lbs., R/R, Leo came on strong at the end of last year on the offensive side and was solid all season as a pitcher. I look for big things from Leo this season. 2021 Stats - .219 AVG, 7 H, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 10 R, 8 BB. On the mound, 1-1 with 1 save, 3.559 ERA, 32 K, 10 BB, 19.2 IP.
Brett Vaccaro - IF/P - Senior, 5’9”, 155 lbs., R/R, Brett won the starting 3B job halfway through last season and had a lot of big hits for our team. He played a solid 3B and should take a step forward this season to pick up where he left off. 2021 Stats - .350 AVG, 21 H, 3 2B, 14 RBI, 11R, 8 BB. Brett should also help us on the mound this season.
Nick Calabrese - OF - Senior, 6’, 185 lbs., R/R, Nick played in 22 games last season but struggled with a back injury and was never full go. He should be fully healthy this season and ready to roll. He could provide some power in the lineup and be a middle of the order hitter.
Andrew Bazzone - 1B/OF/P - Senior, 5’11”, 210 lbs., L/L, Andrew has tremendous power. The ball has a different sound when it comes off of his bat. Andrew is going to surprise some people and could help make this offense scary.
Donny Hardy - OF/P - Junior - 6’0”, 195 lbs., R/R, Donny is a 5 tool player and a great athlete. He had a tremendous year last season as a sophomore and should be even better this season with his added strength. He will be a tough out in the lineup and can provide both power to drive the gaps and speed to steal a base. 2021 Stats - .374 AVG, 34 H, 4 2B, 4 3B, 20 RBI, 30 R, 14 BB, 19 SB
Gavin Stevens - IF/P - Junior - 5’10”, 140 lbs., L/R, Gavin should be one of our infield starters and help us on the mound. Gavin has put a lot of work into baseball over the past year and should have a very good season.

Class of 2022 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

Andrew Kirkpatrick (Video Below)
Leo Fornara
Brett Vaccaro
Nick Calabrese
Andrew Bazzone
Calvin Hill - OF/P - Senior - 6’, 155 lbs., R/R, Calvin is playing again after taking a couple of years off. He is coming off of an injury so his pitching status is unknown. However, he should give us a lift offensively and if healthy a much needed arm. Could be a huge help to our team.

Class of 2023 Prospects To Keep Eye On: