Hillcrest baseball returns six starters entering coach Ryan Schaffitzel’s 16th year as head coach of the program.
At the top of that list of returning players is senior Braxton Baker. Baker, a multi-sport standout, was named second-team all-conference as a pitcher last year.
“Braxton is 6’6” and has a presence on the mound. He did not play much baseball until he got to high school so he is still learning. He has progressed a great deal in really just two years because his freshman year was the COVID year. Braxton can throw three pitches for strikes and has great movement on his fastball and changeup. He has a tremendous upside,” Schaffitzel said. “Braxton gives us a chance to win each time he takes the mound. That’s all we can ask him to do. He is also a returning all-state high jumper so he will miss some games to compete in some of the big track meets in the area. We love to let out guys compete as much as they can, even when it’s not baseball.”
While Baker is the No. 1 pitcher on the staff, senior left-hander London Hayes and sophomore right-hander Leighton Herrmann will also draw starts.
Schaffitzel described Hayes as a crafty pitcher who relies on changing speeds and location to be successful.
“London is a left-handed pitcher and also has the ability to play first base and outfield,” Schaffitzel said. “He will get a start on the mound every week and will fill in wherever we need him depending on who is pitching. He has worked very hard in the weight room and on his game during the off-season. London loves to play and compete and is great role model for our younger players. We expect good things from London this spring.”
Herrmann brings good size and a three-pitch mix to the mound.
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“Leighton is 6’4” and has a good arm,” Schaffitzel said. “He has worked hard this winter and developed his secondary pitches. He now has three pitches he can utilize.”
Senior Zao Shatto along with juniors Ethan Lewis and Holten Pyle and sophomore Jesse Askin will fill out the pitching staff.
Senior Colton Tate returns behind the plate at catcher.
“He (Tate) has worked very hard to improve his blocking and throwing so that he can help our pitching staff and control the running game,” Schaffitzel said. “He has also worked hard in the off-season to become the best hitter he can be. As our catcher, we expect Colton to be one of our team leaders this spring.”
Freshmen Colton O’Neil and Hunter Bussard are both catchers who have bright futures.
Pyle (second base) and senior Isaac Hann (shortstop) return up the middle defensively.
“Isaac is a returning starter who played shortstop when (Shane) Stafford pitched last year, and we expect him to move over to short full-time this spring. We also plan for Isaac to hit in the middle of the lineup and provide a lot of offense. Isaac is a multi-sport athlete who has also lettered in football and wrestling,” Schaffitzel said. “Holten is a returning letterman and part-time started who we expect to start at second base this spring. He has also worked hard in the weight room in the offseason to become faster and stronger. Holten is a very intelligent player who understands the game very well and has the ability to teach others.”
Senior Andrew Krueger and Herrmann will compete for time at third base. Hayes is the returning starter at first base. Junior Eric Kepler will also look for time at first base.
Baker will play centerfield when not pitching or high jumping. Lewis returns as the starter in left field. Shatto, Herrmann, Askin, O’Neil and Jackson Miller will all compete for time in the outfield as well.
“Ethan started nearly every game last year in the outfield but was DH’d for most of the year,” Schaffitzel said. “He worked very hard on his game all summer and fall and has improved his offensive ability a great deal. Ethan will play outfield and be a reliever for us this spring with the possibility of being our fourth starter on the mound. Another player who’s work ethic and attitude makes him a great role model for our younger players.”
Schaffitzel is excited about the way this team fits together.
“I feel our strongest asset will be our unity,” Schaffitzel said. “We get along really well and play for each other. We have several guys with strong character. What they lack in natural talent we more than make up for with character and commitment to each other. That’s what makes this team so fun to coach.”
To find success, Hillcrest will have to be more potent at the plate. Last year, the Hornets averaged just 2.2 runs per game, which was the lowest since MSHSAA started tracking in 2009.
“We have struggled offensively the past couple of seasons,” Schaffitzel said. “We have to strikeout less and put more pressure on the defense by being able to execute small ball strategies like bunting, run and hit, and dirt ball reads. We have to be scrappy. Our pitchers also have to throw more strikes and give us a chance to win games.”
Schaffitzel will look for this team to fight each and every day.
“I ask our guys all the time what do you want people to see when they come watch you play?” Schaffitzel said. “The answer to that is always a team who plays hard and is scrappy. I feel like expectations outside of our program for us are low. I would love for this team to be known as overachievers and that is what we will teach each day.”
Hillcrest opens the season on Mar. 17 at Republic.
“I want these guys to compete and love each other,” Schaffitzel said. “I know that sounds like cheesy coach speak, but the older I get I realize that there is a lot more to high school athletics than the score. We want to win and will work as hard as we can to do so but right now, we don’t have one guy with a college offer so we want our guys to learn to compete and learn to deal with adversity.”
