As the regular season winds down with just over a week remaining, the Honesdale Hornets are heating up at exactly the right time. This team is shaping up to be the one no one wants to face when the Class 4A playoff brackets are released.
Honesdale is making a powerful climb in both the Lackawanna League standings and the District 2 power rankings, positioning themselves for a potential home playoff game. Leading the charge is senior shortstop Connor Tirney, whose standout performance is fueling the Hornets' late-season surge.
“Overall the season has been going well,” Tirney said. “We’ve had some tough games, but we’ve also had some great wins. I firmly believe that we have the team to make a run in the playoffs.”
Tirney, a three-year varsity fixture, has always been a reliable presence on the diamond. But this spring, his offensive game has reached new heights. Through the final full week of the regular season, he’s batting an impressive .404, leading the team in hits (23) and runs scored (18), while also smacking six doubles and drawing 10 walks.
“I’m really seeing the ball well,” Tirney explained. “I’ve been able to hit it all around the field, and I’ve increased my power. But I think the most important thing is that I’m being much more disciplined.”
His head coach agrees, noting the senior’s offseason dedication has paid off. “Connor definitely got a lot stronger during the off-season,” the veteran skipper said. “He’s worked very hard with coach (Adam) Kelly and really sharpened his approach at the plate.”
A multi-sport standout who also excels on the basketball court, Tirney brings the same blue-collar work ethic to the classroom as an honor roll student. It’s that steady mindset that makes him such a valuable asset in high-pressure moments.
“I love Connor’s demeanor,” the coach added. “He understands that failure is part of the game. Connor is a smart player who never gets too high or too low on the field.”
Weather permitting, the Hornets return to action on May 11 at home against Holy Cross, with first pitch scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex. For a team hitting its stride at the perfect time, every game from here on out is a statement—and Tirney is leading the way.