By Chris Parker
Galena baseball improved from 11 wins last spring to 16 this past fall, which has the Bears expecting big things this spring.
“I think most of the success can be attributed to the development of our pitching staff,” Galena head coach Derwin McGownd said. “Cam Robertson has been the workhorse up till this year and then we had a couple of young men take on the role and improved.”
Robertson earned first-team all-conference honors as a pitcher last season and returns to anchor the staff.
“Cameron has worked very hard on being one of the top pitchers in the area. His dedication to the weight room and endless work on his mechanics has paid off for him,” McGownd said. “My expectations are for him to go out and be our big game pitcher. He has proven that he wants the ball in those situations and I want him in those games. I will look to Cameron to give the younger players good leadership and a good work ethic.”
Robertson will also play shortstop and third base.
Logan Busbey gives Galena a second returning first-team all-conference selection. He earned his postseason honor in the outfield, but will see more time on the mound.
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“His speed and overall knowledge of the game (are his greatest assets). Logan has stepped up to become a solid leader on the team,” McGownd said. “Logan has really improved on the mound for us this year. He was 5-1 in the fall and we will look for him to continue to improve.”
Joining Robertson and Busbey on the pitching staff will be Cannon Keithley (sophomore) and Ethan Bailey (senior). Robertson brings good command and velocity to the mound. Busbey is a crafty lefty and fierce competitor. Keithley has all the tools to be a dominant pitcher. Bailey came out for the first time in four years last spring and showed a lot of promise.
Chase Robertson (sophomore) and Bryce Wall (freshman) are in line to catch.
Ethan Bailey (first base), Dillon Batson (second base), Robertson and Robert Carter (shortstop) and Keithley (third base) will make up the infield.
Arin McCullough (left field) Logan Busbey (centerfield) and Wyatt Doak (right field) will be the lineup in the outfield.
“I feel that our pitching staff will be our strength going into this spring season. We have several seasoned players with experience. Our defense has improved greatly and should be an added strength this year,” McGownd said. “We will need to improve our offense. Last year, we were able to get runners on base but we could not get them around to score. I think our pitching and defense can keep us in games but we will need to score to win.”
Galena opens the season on Mar. 18 at Wheaton.
“I think it will be a good season, one of the best that I have had here at Galena,” McGownd said. “We should be at the top of the conference and I think we can compete for a district title.”
