There’s no shortage of honesty around the Wickliffe Baseball team heading into 2026. A 16-win season and second-place finish in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division a year ago proved this group can compete, but this spring presents a very different kind of challenge.
Low numbers, roster turnover, and inexperienced pitching create a narrow margin for error—but also an opportunity. Wickliffe will lean heavily on its experienced core, led by one of the area’s top players, while asking a wave of newcomers to grow up quickly at the varsity level.
“This year we have some returners and some guys that contributed heavily on the JV last year, so varsity experience is mixed,” head coach Phil Motta said. “We are rolling with some experienced guys and some newcomers that have no choice but to adapt quickly to the varsity level.”
A small roster with big expectations
Depth is the defining storyline for Wickliffe. With just 16 players in the entire program, every inning—and every at-bat—will matter.
“Our numbers are ridiculously low,” Motta said. “We are focusing on who we have, not who we do not have.”
That mindset will shape everything, from lineup flexibility to pitching usage. The Blue Devils simply can’t afford injuries or prolonged slumps, making consistency and durability critical from day one.
Bucar sets the tone
Everything starts with senior shortstop and ace pitcher Frankie Bucar, a West Liberty signee and one of the most decorated players in the area.
A first-team all-conference, all-county, and all-district selection, Bucar hit .398 with a .463 OBP last season while striking out just five times in 88 at-bats. He also posted a 2.06 ERA with 33 strikeouts on the mound.
“One of the best players I’ve coached, but more importantly, one of the best people I’ve coached,” Motta said. “Frank is like having a coach on the field.”
Bucar’s value goes beyond production. His leadership, baseball IQ, and defensive consistency—he didn’t commit an error in conference play last season—make him the anchor for everything Wickliffe does.
Experience around the field
Wickliffe returns key pieces across the diamond, giving the lineup a solid foundation despite the roster challenges.
Senior catcher Alex Aheimer (.326, 10 RBI) provides leadership behind the plate and middle-of-the-order potential.
“Alex could have a great season,” Motta said. “He plays hard and could give us some punch in the middle of our lineup.”
Blake Ludvik, a third-year starter, brings versatility and speed, while sophomore Cole Vanatta (.322, 13 RBI) looks to build on a strong freshman campaign that earned him all-conference honors.
“Cole had a very good freshman season for us last year,” Motta said. “If he cannot defeat himself, he is going to continue to be a strong high school baseball player.”
Sophomore Jayden Johnson is another intriguing piece in the outfield, bringing high-level athleticism and speed to the lineup.
“Jayden is a strong athlete,” Motta said. “He’s a little raw fundamentally, but he possesses great athleticism and gives us flexibility with positions. We love his speed and ability to get the ball down, run, and put pressure on the defense.”
Gio Martinez and Mark Kish step into larger roles, while Dom Porcello‘s return later in the season could provide a boost offensively.
New roles and rapid growth
Several players will be asked to take on bigger responsibilities—none more important than Gio Moppins and freshman Joseph Zivnoska.
Moppins offers versatility as a pitcher, catcher, and infielder, but his development on the mound will be crucial.
“He has to learn to get ahead and pitch to contact,” Motta said.
Sophomore Charlie Gallman will also factor into the outfield rotation, giving Wickliffe another athletic option as the Blue Devils look to build depth wherever possible.
Zivnoska, a freshman, will see time in the middle infield and on the mound, making his adjustment to varsity baseball one of the team’s biggest X-factors.
“The varsity game is going to be an adjustment for him,” Motta said. “How he handles success and adversity will be key.”
Sophomore Dominic Porcello will DH after starting as a freshman last season. An injury will limit Porcello to just swinging the bat this spring.
Last season, he batted .296 with four doubles, 16 RBI, and 15 runs scored.
“He will give us a boost in the middle of the order and provide the power we will not have early on,” Motta said.
Pitching and depth will decide everything
Wickliffe’s biggest concern is clear: pitching depth.
Behind Bucar, the Blue Devils will rely on Moppins, Zivnoska, Max Andrasak, and Aheimer to eat innings and throw strikes.
“Our pitching is inexperienced overall,” Motta said. “Guys will have to throw strikes, minimize going deep in counts, and concentrate on pitching to contact.”
Complicating matters, moving Bucar from shortstop to the mound creates a ripple effect defensively—but it’s a tradeoff Wickliffe will have to manage carefully.
Strengths: speed and chemistry
Despite the challenges, Wickliffe has clear strengths that could keep the Blue Devils competitive night in and night out.
“Our team is aggressive and has strong speed,” Motta said. “Our team chemistry is solid as well.”
That combination should allow the Blue Devils to pressure defenses, manufacture runs, and stay in games—even when facing deeper opponents.
What it will take
With such a thin margin for error, Wickliffe’s formula for success is simple—but demanding.
“Guys are going to have to step up and do things they may not have been asked to do in previous seasons,” Motta said. “If we can avoid injuries, we will compete in each game.”
Outlook
Wickliffe may not have the depth of a typical contender, but it has something just as valuable: a proven leader, a core of experienced contributors, and a group that understands exactly what’s at stake.
If the Blue Devils can stay healthy, get consistent pitching behind Bucar, and see their young players grow quickly, they have the potential to remain a factor in the CVC Valley Division race.
Wickliffe Blue Devils Baseball
