By Chris Parker
Wheatland baseball took full advantage of the 2020 fall season to work on development for its players.
“Losing the season last spring definitely took a toll on the development of our younger players especially. So, being able to play in the summer and fall was very beneficial. The fall season gave us the opportunity to get a lot of reps, game experience and grow as a team,” Wheatland coach Patrick Dougherty said. “Having a fall season allowed us to practice every day, get more reps, more swings, and more game experience. Basically, it allowed us to make up for some lost time. It also gave us the opportunity to grow as a team, and mesh into a cohesive unit.”
Senior Josh Gallaway, juniors Tyler Dampier and James Burnett and sophomore Davin Sawyer will be team leaders and the team’s top pitchers. Dampier will do a lot of catching when not pitching with the other three seeing time at catcher.
“They will be our leaders on the field. They are our best hitters, pitchers and will be in key positions when not pitching. They will need to be good leaders for the rest of the team as well, as far as helping or encouraging a teammate for example,” Dougherty said. “The fastball is the best pitch for all four of these guys, but they all can mix in off-speed pitches and hit locations. Dampier and Sawyer are probably a little more polished at this point. Burnett has a power pitcher mentality, so we will work on changing speeds more. Gallaway may work himself into a closer’s role. He’s more than capable of filling that role, but it may depend more on how our other pitchers progress.”
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Sawyer and Gallaway will play shortstop with Dampier in the mix as well. Sophomore Sam Stewart is the front runner to play first base with Avery Wheeler and Brylee Fielder in the mix as well. Second base is wide open with Jon Stewart, Owen Kenig, Daniel Murphy and Bodee Fielder all names to watch. Third base will see James Burnett and Austin Rife as the front runners with Stewart, Murphy or Josh Lewton vying for time.
The outfield is wide open with Colton Nichols, Domanic Jarman, Caleb Goodloe, Jon Stewart, Owen Kenig, Avery Wheeler, Austin Rife, Daniel Murphy, Josh Lewton and Bodee Fielder all looking for playing time there.
Pitching will be a strength for Wheatland.
“Gallaway, Burnett, Dampier and Sawyer make up a pretty good rotation that should make us very competitive. As long as everyone stays healthy, pitching will be a strength. Austin Rife, Avery Wheeler and Daniel Murphy are guys that could make an impact on our pitching staff as well,” Dougherty said.
Wheatland opens the season on Mar. 20 at home against New Bloomfield and Hermitage.
