The 2011 season was a fantastic one. We struggled through a tough regular season in the Manchester Twilight League, playing pretty much .500 ball… only to come alive in the playoffs. Then led by some very strong pitching by Lucas Nickerson, Kyle Faust, and some near superhero performances on the mound by Rex Cone… we clinched the final game of the championship series behind the arms of Ed Dickman and Earl Oakes. We had big hitting performances by Rex Cone, Paul Franceschi, Scott Dickens, Justin Kilker, Shawn Ferguson and others… and some very clutch performances by some others like Chris Dickens, Kyle Olovson, and Chris Taylor. It was a fantastic finish to a tough year and a great run. In many ways we were like the St. Louis Cardinals of last year… a team with a lot of talent that did just enough in the regular season, to then come out and beat the best in the post-season when it counted most.

That was last year. A new 10th season of the Bristol Knights is upon us, and we have undergone some major changes. Gone from the regular roster are 8 players who all played in some capacity. Gone are mid-season callups from last year the utility star Kyle Olovson and the speedy Nick Irving. Gone are fill-in slugger Drew Sgro and intense submarine pitcher Andrew Irvine. The biggest losses though are 4 players who have been on the team since it’s inception (or very close to that). Chris Dickens started the team with my father and I in 2003. He helped run the team for 5 years as co-manager. Chris was a strong outfielder with great speed, and a solid bat. Chris played with us from 2003 – 06, and 2010-11 (with the gap when he moved to San Diego). Chris is retiring this season, focusing on his new marriage and playing hockey. Kyle Faust was one of the mainstays of our pitching rotation since 2005. A few years he was our best option, always throwing strikes and controlling the game. He was a rock on the mound, and had one last fantastic performance in the final week of the playoffs. Kyle started also started his career as a staple in our middle infield. His solid glove was great at both short stop and second base. Kyle also helped run or himself managed our Fall Ball teams in the NABA Fall League. Kyle is likely taking the year off to focus on his jobs and coaching. Kevin Gokey was one of our original players from 2003, and played every season since. Kevin started his career with us as either our shortstop or an outfielder. Kevin had some huge seasons at the plate, especially 2009 when he batted a legit .479. He was long one of the top batters in our lineup, and also had the ability to play anywhere in the field other than pitcher or catcher. Kevin is retiring/taking a year off after the birth of his second child. Eddie Dickman played on every team we had from 2003 – 2011, usually leading the team offensively. He was a great hitter and all around player. Early in his carreer with us, he was also our ace on the mound, but shoulder and arm issues made his appearances dwindle to once or twice a year, when we needed him most. Around 2007, Eddie started being our catcher, relieving me (Scott Dickens). Eddie was a fantastic left-handed catcher, and anchored our defense for years until Paul Franceschi showed up and we split the job. We will miss these players immensely, but hopefully they can make an appearance or two this year if we need them.

For the new season in 2012 we have acquired 7 new players (2 of whom are returning players). The first returning player is Phil Dauria, the OF/IF that works with Scott at ESPN. He has a solid bat, good speed, and a good glove, and will do well wherever we put him. The other returning player is Rick Barret, the power hitting corner infielder and pitcher. Rick’s bat will be a huge addition to the Knights lineup when he’s in attendance. The other 5 new regular players to the Knights roster are Drew Yukelson (OF), Drew Gallagher (C), Matt Doyle (P, IF), Rick Blais (OF, P), and Ryan Palumbo (IF). Mr. Yukelson also works at ESPN, and was introduced to Scott as he defeated him in the work Ping Pong tournament. Drew Y is young and a talented outfielder who we are happy to have aboard. Drew Gallagher and Matt Doyle are also co-workers of Scott Dickens at ESPN. They have been playing together in recent years on the Bristol Dawgs, a team in the Men’s Senior League B-Division, that folded in the off-season. We are very fortunate to pick up this talented and skilled battery… Matt who can pitch and Drew who can catch. Rick Blais and Ryan Palumbo are friends of long time player Rex Cone, and were highly recommended to us by him. Both have looked solid in pre-season practices. Rick is a strong hitting outfielder who hopes to throw some innings on the mound this year. Ryan is a strong gloved and strong armed infielder who will do well at 3rd, SS, or wherever we put him.

The Bristol Knights will still be led by GM/Co-Manager Scott Dickens and Co-Manager Paul Franceschi. Paul’s on-field knowledge and leadership is an invaluable asset to the team. Congrats are in order to Paul who is getting married this year… so he will be missing a stretch in the middle of the season. Scott returns in his 10th season of running the team, and thinks we have a fantastic squad, prepped to repeat in 2012. Other returning players for 2012 are: Rex Cone (P, OF), Shawn Fergusson (SS), Lucas Nickerson (P, IF), Chris Taylor (IF), Erick Michael (Util, P), Jay Gilbert (IF), Justin Kilker (OF), Ernie Meza (OF, IF, DH), Earl Oakes (CI, P, DH), and Ron Pezzullo (IF, OF). Also joining the team when there schedules allow are Chris Klepps (MI) and Mitch Hummer (P, OF).

All of the Knights home games in 2012 are played at either Bristol Eastern HS or Muzzy Field in Bristol. The Knights will face 7 other teams in the Manchester Twilight League. They are the Plaza Azteca Indians, Elmer’s, the East Hartford Angels, the Glastonbury Pirates, the Willimantic Ridges, the Tri-County Twins, and the Loco Perro Expos. You can find out more info about the MTL (Manchester Twilight League) at www.manchestertwilightleague.net and more info about our team the Bristol Knights here on www.bristolknights.com