By Chris Parker
Buffalo baseball was expecting to be young last year with four or five players in the starting lineup with no varsity experience. That theme of inexperience will carry over to this year.
“Not having the opportunity to play last season due to the shutdown hurt us as a team, as we were looking at starting 4-5 guys that have never had any varsity experience. We are still going to be young this year, but I feel with the leadership displayed by our older guys on and off the field we will be able to overcome the hurdle of being a young team in order to compete every time we step on the field,” Buffalo head coach Jeff Elsenraat said.
Buffalo did get in a modified summer season, but it was no replacement for a lost high school season.
“We were able to play a shortened season this past summer, and while it was extremely beneficial for our guys to get some at-bats and some game experience, it unfortunately is not the same as playing during the school year,” Elsenraat said. “The players are ready to get back on the field and put in the work in order to improve and learn the game better. The coaching staff is equally as excited to get back to work. We have several young players that will have key roles on varsity for the first time and it will be important as a coaching staff that we prepare them to play at this level by having productive practices and putting them in-game situations so they will be ready when the opportunity arises.”
Seniors Trey Cruse and Brock Wendlandt along with junior Jaren Smith will be leaders for the team.
Cruse will pitch and be in the outfield.
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“Trey is one of our two seniors. His leadership will come from his experience on the field. With only a handful of guys coming back with varsity experience, we will be looking to our veterans,” Elsenraat said.
Wendlandt will play first base and catcher.
“He (Wendlandt) will be one of our team leaders,” Elsenraat said. “His work ethic on and off the field helps him be a good leader. He also is willing to step in and help with the younger guys. He always tells me he wants to help so he can make the program better.”
Smith will be the team’s top pitcher and play outfield.
“He (Smith) will be another leader for us,” Elsenraat said. “His defensive leadership in the outfield and on the mound should give us confidence when we take the field.”
Sophomore Cameron Portis (left field) and junior Blake Lauderbaugh (right field) will join Smith and Cruse in the outfield.
Cole Potter (sophomore third base) and Eason Skinner (sophomore shortstop) will join Wendlandt on the infield.
“Our strength this year will be having back all of our key players from last year’s team. They know what the expectations are on and off the field and they are all hard-working kids that are continuously making an effort to improve their game,” Elsenraat said. “Our youth will be the biggest thing for our team to overcome. We have some holes to fill, but once we find the right guys to step into those positions and are able to get some good practices in, I expect them to come out mentally tough and ready to compete.”
Buffalo opens the season on Mar. 19 at home against Cassville.
“Team goals this season are to win our conference and to have a respectable showing during district play,” Elsenraat said. “After a disappointing 2019 season and a canceled 2020 season, we have a lot of work to do this season.”
