By Randy Whitehouse,Staff Writer

BUCKFIELD – Matt Lowell admits he has a hard time being patient at the plate.

“I’m a dead pull hitter. I don’t know what it is. I can go opposite field once in awhile,” he said. “I start my stride so early. It’s hard for me to wait. It’s one of those habits. But it’s seemed to work out for me.”

It’s worked out for him and the Buckfield Bucks, for whom Lowell has been starting since he was a freshman. Now entering his junior season as one of the few veterans on the roster, Lowell is one of a handful of returning lettermen who will have to take a leading role if the Bucks are to win another East-West Conference crown and challenge defending state champion North Yarmouth Academy in Western D.

“Coach Chuck (Williams) sat us down and he said You guys are veterans. You’ve got to step up,'” Lowell said.

Lowell feels he’s ready for the challenge, which includes a move from left to center field and some added pitching duties, after learning from a number of four-year starters who preceded him the last two years.

“I watched (last year’s captains) Scott Wetherell, Chris Savage and Jeff Russell be leaders over the years,” he said,. “Watching those guys, you can tell when it’s time for leadership qualities to come out. There’s a time to practice and there’s a time to goof around.”

“I think Matt’s going to turn into a good team leader. He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Williams said. “I think he’s a good role model on and off the field for the younger kids. He handles himself well in school, the same way he does on the ballfield. He gives it everything he has.”

Sounds like a dream player for a coach. In many ways, Lowell is that for Williams. The Bucks are known for playing a very aggressive style under Williams, stealing and taking the extra base virtually any time the opportunity presents itself.

Lowell fits the blueprint perfectly. He combines good speed with good baserunning instincts and enough of a gambler’s mentality to make opposing catchers nervous.

“He’s been brought up right through the system with that style and it’s fun for him,” Williams said.

Lowell will probably have more fun hitting at the top of the Bucks’ lineup this season after being relegated to the lower half of the order the last two.

His first duty will be to get on base, When that happens, his second job will be to look for the green light from his coach. Then it’s a matter of reading each pitcher’s motion to put his wheels, and the wheels of the Buckfield offense, in motion.

“Against lefties, you’re staying on first, but right-handers, the biggest thing is watching that back foot, just watching to see if they step off (the rubber),” he said. “A lot it is just getting a good jump.”

If Lowell gets a good jump, the Bucks will get a good jump on the competition.