By Chris Parker
Warsaw baseball will be looking for a big season with a strong group of leaders returning who saw action as sophomores and freshmen during the 2019 season.
Those players lost one year of high school baseball, but were able to get together over the summer.
“It was unfortunate, but it affected everyone across the country. We were able to get some games in over the summer so that helped us going into this spring,” Warsaw head coach John Eierman said. “I think everyone is looking forward to the spring and ready to compete. The seniors especially are looking for a big year.”
Warsaw will find its leadership from the quartet of Logan Strunk (senior pitcher/first base), Zach Sharp (senior centerfield), Trey Palmer (senior middle infield) and Jack Gardner (junior third base/pitcher).
“These are our leaders and will be in the middle of our lineup. They are all multi-sport athletes and returning starters on the baseball team. We’re looking for all these guys to have big years on the baseball field and lead our team to a good season,” Eierman said.
Sophomore Nick Bagley will join Strunk and Gardner as the team’s top pitchers.
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“Logan (Strunk) is a lefty that knows how to pitch, throws strikes, and does a good job mixing it up and keeping hitters off balance,” Eierman said. “Jack (Gardner) is a guy that has a great arm and can go seven innings. Nick (Bagley) throws a lot of strikes and competes well on the mound.”
Palmer and Bagley will both see time behind the plate at catcher.
Gardner, Palmer and Strunk will be joined on the infield by Brady Slavens (junior middle infield), James Kellner (junior second base/first base) and Gage Whitaker (sophomore second base/first base).
Sharp will anchor the outfield in center with junior Gaven Cunningham and sophomore Tayten Boyer along with Whitaker seeing time at the corner outfield positions.
“(Our) strengths will be good athletes throughout the lineup and upperclassman leadership. This is a close group on and off the field and they work extremely hard,” Eierman said. “(We) need to improve our pitching and throwing strikes. Less walks will lead to more wins for us.”
Most teams in the area will lack experience after the cancelation of last season. Warsaw won’t be one of those teams with a large group of players who saw varsity action as underclassmen returning.
“We have a ton of experience coming back to the lineup with plenty of new guys ready to compete for a spot,” Eierman said. “Our coaching staff is looking forward to a good spring. We hope to get a full spring in and stay healthy.”
Warsaw opens the season on Mar. 22 at home against Green Ridge.
