Staples’ baseball field has long been known around the FCIAC as one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the league. This offseason, though, that all changed. The new season has ushered in the era of the “Blue Monster,” a new fence erected in left field complete with a navy blue wind tarp.

Many expected the daunting wall to suppress offense and place a heavier emphasis on pitching. However, Staples, off to a 10-4 start, has already hit nine home runs to this point on the season. Ben Casparius ’17 has had no issues with the fence, and has put five homers over it.

Captain Ian Burns ’15 said the team hasn’t been intimidated by the Blue Monster due to their early success with the long ball. Captain Ross Poulley ’15 agrees and said, “We haven’t had many balls hit off the wall that would’ve been home runs last year.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the pitching staff has certainly taken advantage of the taller fence in left. Led by a trio of sophomores, Casparius ’17, Michael Fanning ’17, and Ryan Fitton ’17, the Wreckers have limited their opposition to just one homer in their home games this season.

Burns said that he hasn’t noticed a huge difference this year due to the Blue Monster, and said the swings the team has taken have been largely the same as in 2014. Left fielder Zack Azadian ’15 has to deal with the Blue Monster on a daily basis, but said that he appreciates what it adds to their home field because it gives the team its own identity.

The Wreckers take on Bassick at home on Wednesday, May 13 before going on the road Friday, May 15 to play Darien in what should be a pivotal FCIAC matchup.