By Chris Parker
Thayer baseball returns three all-conference players this year looking to help the Bobcats to the program’s first winning record and district title since 2016.
Last year, Thayer had to overcome injuries, but it should pay dividends this year with many experienced players returning.
“Last year’s team really worked hard and competed day in and day out,” Thayer head coach Matt Pitts said. “We had to overcome some injuries to our pitching staff but those guys that were called up on stepped up and really competed. Offensively, we had stretches where we were really good and as this game goes some stretches where we struggled. Overall, I thought we improved each game and we are looking forward to getting things going this spring.”
Things start with a quartet of returning seniors in Gaige Pitts (pitcher/utility), Lane Grimes (shortstop/outfield), Dalton Nicholson (third base/first base) and Kyrin Magnuson (outfield).
Pitts was a first-team all-conference selection on the infield last year. He hit .373 with nine RBI while posting a 3.71 ERA on the mound.
Grimes earned All-SCA Honorable Mention honors thanks to his .357 batting average and 11 RBI.
Nicholson is the team’s top returning hitter after posting a .420 batting average as a junior. He was honorable mention all-conference.
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Magnuson hit .255 as a junior.
The returning junior class includes: Kaden Komm (utility), Mason Sorrell (outfield), Colten Wade (outfield), Cale Mills (first base/DH), Nick Gorman (utility) and Noah Smith (pitcher).
Komm led that group at the plate with 12 RBI and a .261 batting average.
Sophomore Dalton Poulette will miss the season with a torn ACL.
Seniors Landry Pitts and Keaton Nicholson along with freshmen Easton Pitts and Jacob Johnson will be new players to watch for Thayer.
“We will stress fundamentals, defense, and throwing strikes. We will grind out at bats and make putting the ball in play a major priority,” Pitts said. “The schedule and conference will be tough as always and hopefully with a lot of work and buy in we will be a tough game for everyone.”
Thayer opens the regular season on Mar. 24 at Bakersfield.
