NORTHBOROUGH – Algonquin’s new baseball coach understands what it means to be a Titan.
Ken MacDonald — who works at Algonquin Regional High School — was recently named the school’s varsity baseball coach. MacDonald replaces Brian Doherty, who led the team to an even win-loss record over the last two seasons.
“It’s a great school. The school has great tradition, baseball and other athletics, so I’m very excited to build on what they already have there and bring success back to Algonquin,” MacDonald told the Community Advocate.
MacDonald has 12 years of coaching experience at the high school level, starting his career in Hopkinton. Most recently, he served as Franklin’s assistant coach, helping the team make the MIAA Division 1 championship game last year. MacDonald also coaches American Legion baseball, leading Northborough’s Post 234 team.
Working at Algonquin and coaching Post 234 has made MacDonald familiar with his new team. The Titans return roughly 15 players, and MacDonald has worked with seven of the Algonquin players in his time coaching American Legion baseball.
“And I do know all of the other kids too — from coaching either against them in club baseball, or knowing them from going to games in the past. It will be a smooth transition,” he said.
MacDonald said that he looks forward to building his own program at Algonquin.
“I think we’ll be a great team… I think the goal is to be competing for a league title, but I think it’s going to take a lot of work. I’m really excited to work with the guys we have,” he said. “[Algonquin] has traditionally been a very strong program… I’m looking forward to building something that’s strong for years to come.”
The MacDonald era of Algonquin baseball will face an immediate challenge. The Titans open the season against state tournament semifinalist St. John’s on April 3. Algonquin will face Shrewsbury in the team’s home opener on April 10.
