The 2016 Bristol Knights start the new Connecticut Twilight League season, 6pm this Wednesday May 7th. The team opens the season vs local rival, Elmer’s Silver Bullets at Legends Field in Newington. The Knights, coming off back-to-back championships in ’14 & ’15, looks to once be very competitive and should have a great shot at another title run. The team comes back in 2016 with a lot the same guys that contributed in the team’s recent success, along with some very promising new players. Along with games at Bristol Eastern and the newly renovated and always beautiful Muzzy Field, Bristol will play games at few premiere venues around the state in June when they play at Dodd Stadium and the brand new Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford.

The team is carrying a large roster again in 2016… with the hope of managing the pieces we’ve brought together throughout the 2016 preseason to get about 13-14 guys from our 24 man roster out to each game. The Knights backbone is the many returning veteran players and coaches. Coming back in 2016 are Brian LaRochelle (manager/C/IF), Scott Dickens (GM/DH), Earl Oakes (coach/P/IF), Rick Barrett (coach/SS/P), Steve Clout (coach/OF), Eddie Dickman (C/1B/P), Rex Cone (OF/P/DH), Drew Gallagher (C), Julio Ortiz-Rivera (OF), Mike Scanlon (IF/C), Walt Klimczak (Utility), Chris McGrath (P), Justin Tokarz (P/1B/OF), Kyle Lentini (OF/P), Marco Ross (1B/P/OF), Matt Schweighardt (C/IF), Joe Dalton (OF/2B), Nick DiTaranto (P/OF), and Dan Nunes (Utility).

The Knights did have a bunch of the key players not return in 2016 that will be sorely missed. The team did lose pitching phenom and CTL Cy Young / Rookie of the Year / Playoff MVP, Matt Niedzwiecki when he moved out of state in the off season. Another big loss is coach and veteran player/pitcher Rick Blais who will be greatly missed. Five year veteran OF Justin Kilker won’t be playing as a regular player this season, but plans to give his long injured back a bit of a rest. A further tough loss is the pitching of veteran submariner Luke Palma who was very effective at times in the league. Others that will be missed as regular returning players in 2016 are Sean Shanley, Sam Leonardo, Sean Lopata, Brett Anderson, Aaron Ortega, and Chris Valente.

To replace the 10 players not on the regular roster, the Bristol Knights have brought aboard 5 new and excited players, who should be able to contribute right away. Phil Rothkugel returns to the Bristol Knights after not playing with the team since 2006. The former CCSU and Plainville ballplayer looks to bring a big stick and pitch for the team when called upon. Tyler Favreau, another Plainville native returns in 2016 after playing one game late in the 2015, and now plans to be a big factor for the Knights on the mound and all other aspects of the game too. Tommy Stagis and Nick Dzioba are teammates of Knights outfielder Kyle Lentini on the NABA Southington Aftershock, and now come to join the Knights as well. Tommy and Nick both are pitchers and infielders who can swing a good bat too. The last new addition to the team is Brian Murray. Brian’s enthusiasm, attitude, and demeanor, at the ballfield are a welcome addition, along with his bat.

The Bristol Knights play 26 regular season games in 2016, 4 games versus each Central Division rival, and 2 each vs each Eastern Division team. Many of the home games will be played at Bristol Eastern High School. Some highlights of Bristol’s schedule are the opening game on 5/7 at Legends field vs Elmer’s, The 6/1 Muzzy Field Doubleheader, the 6/2 Dodd Stadium game in Norwich, the leagues 2nd ever Home Run Derby on 6/17, the amazing Summer Classic game at 8:30am on Saturday 6/18 at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford, and the second Muzzy Double Header on Wednesday 7/13.