By Chris Parker
Crane baseball is poised to make a big jump this year with 10 starters returning from last season’s five-win team.
Brady Robinson (junior), Logan Vaught (sophomore) and Gavin Kram (sophomore) will be the team’s leaders.
“Brady Robinson because of his competitiveness and his IQ,” Crane head coach Clay Stumpff said. “Logan Vaught because of his ability to lead by example and always put the team first. Gavin Kram because of his ability to be vocal and leading our infield day in, day out.”
Robinson, Seth Mahlstedt (junior) and Connor Angel (junior) will be the team’s top pitchers. Robinson has strong location and a great ability to pound the zone. Mahlstedt’s best weapon is his ability to change speeds and locate. Angel is mentally tough and great at keeping hitters guessing.
Kohen Cloyd (junior) and Turley Howell (freshman) will be behind the plate at catcher.
Kram (first base),Brayden Faucett (senior second baseman), Robinson (shortstop) and Angel (third base) will be on the infield.
Mahlstedt, Logan Vaught and Caleb Vaught will be in the outfield.
Stumpff will look for his team to use its speed in all facets of the game.
“Strengths will be our speed and defense,” Stumpff said. “We will need to put the ball in play at a higher clip and being more efficient on the mound.”
Crane opens the season on Mar. 22 at Sparta.
“I want our identity to be small ball and having our team chemistry be our best attribute,” Stumpff said. “Expectation is to get better every single day and be a team no one wants to play.”
