By Chris Parker
Reeds Spring baseball posted a 10-win season in 2022. The Wolves returns five starters and six lettermen from that team.
Seniors Dayne Smith and Will Foster will be team leaders for the 2023 version of Reeds Spring baseball, according to head coach Jason Reinsch.
“Dayne Smith (is an) experienced player who will be a four-year starter for us. He competes on the mound and solidifies the middle of the order for us,” Reinsch said. “Will Foster sets the tone for us with his intensity and desire to be successful; extremely high motor and a great work ethic.”
Smith and Foster along with fellow senior Koby Essary will be the team’s top pitchers. Sophomore Cooper Simkins will transition from outfield to catcher this season. He was the team’s starting right fielder as a freshman.
Smith (second base), Foster (third base) and Essary (shortstop) will be joined by sophomores Jaxon Gregg (first base) and Blake Siege (utility) on the infield.
Seniors Evan Hefner (centerfield) and Ryan Dardenne (right field) along with junior Luke Justice (left field) will be in the outfield.
Hefner has shown great improvement as an outfielder according to Reinsch.
“Evan Hefner moved to centerfield late last season from the left side of the infield,” Reinsch said. “He provided an immediate impact in the outfield and will continue to improve. His athleticism and instincts have helped him to turn into a very good defender.”
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Overall, Reeds Spring will have an experienced group on the field.
“I think our strength will be our experience and composure,” Reinsch said. “We have a large group of players who have gained a great deal of experience over the past three seasons. That experience should allow us to maintain our composure late in games. I believe we also have the ability to be a very solid defensive team. With a pitching staff that won’t be overpowering, our defense will be a major part of our success.”
Reinsch will hope to see improvement out of the offensive side of the game.
“We will have to continue to improve offensively. Last season we saw some strides on this side of the ball, but overall, we will have to be better on offense to reach our potential. Our focus will be on minimizing strikeouts and situational hitting,” Reinsch said.
Reeds Spring opens the season on Mar. 17 at Forsyth.
“My expectation is that we will continue to improve top to bottom and begin to develop some program wide depth,” Reinsch said. “We will work extremely hard to continue to invest in our young players, which is something our upperclassmen have expressed as one of their goals as well. With a large group of seniors graduating last season, and a large group of seniors this season, we are excited to see what we can accomplish with this group, while also continuing to encourage the growth of the next group of Wolves starters.”
