By Chris Parker
Crocker baseball has high expectations coming off an 18-win season with an experienced lineup returning.
“We are very excited about the upcoming spring season. We had a very good fall season (19-4) and an especially strong finish to the season which saw us end with a 15-game win streak,” Crocker head coach Alex Shelton said. “Looking to the spring, we are going to keep pushing ourselves and raising our goals even more, as we look to see progress and development from our players. Combine that with positive attitudes, competitive spirit, and a team first mentality and we are expecting big things this season.”
The key seniors on the team are Eli Anderson (outfield), Brock Ware (outfield/pitcher), Hagen Libbert (designated hitter/third base), Collin Braslin (utility) and Braden Bryant (outfield).
Shelton on Anderson: “Eli is a guy that we are once again expecting a lot from this spring. Eli will see time in both centerfield and right field and is very consistent in those spots. Eli typically hits out of the two-hole for us and is one of the engines that makes our team go. He handles the bat well, is scrappy, and does a very good job of getting on base. He is very important to our offense scoring runs.”
Shelton on Ware: “Brock did a very nice job this fall for us in left field and on the mound. Brock is beginning to understand his role on this team and becoming a contributor for us. We will look for him to continue to build upon his fall season, as well as provide us with much needed innings on the mound this spring.”
Shelton on Libbert: “Hagen saw most of his time at DH this fall and didn’t disappoint. Hagen doesn’t get cheated at the plate and did a good job of driving the ball. He has helped make our lineup longer and deeper. We will look for Hagen to continue his hitting this spring.”
Shelton on Braslin: “Collin is a very valuable and versatile player for us. Collin has seen time in the corner OF spots, at 3rd, SS, and 2nd, and also behind the plate and on the mound. He has moved to wherever he has been needed, which is big for our team. He has become a force at the plate as well, showing a knack for driving the ball and for clutch hits. We are hoping for another strong season from Collin.”
Shelton on Bryant: “Braden made his high school debut this past fall and showed a lot of progress in a few short months. Braden is a very smart young man who is continuing to develop as a hitter and defender. He is willing to learn and work and will continue to develop as the spring continues.”
Four juniors in Jackson Burney (shortstop/pitcher), Landon Pierce (third base/pitcher), Jesse Goldsmith (outfield/first base/catcher) and James Smith (outfield) will look to contribute.
Shelton on Burney: “Jackson has been a huge part of our team for the past few seasons and will be, once again, asked to contribute a lot. Jackson will look to lead the pitching staff, as well as be a key contributor on offense. I continue to say Jackson is the best defensive shortstop I have had the privilege of coaching, as he solidifies the middle of the infield with his glove, instincts, and leadership. We are expecting big things from Jackson again this spring.”
Shelton on Pierce: “Landon continues to show a knack for driving in runs and being a big producer in the middle of our lineup. After missing part of the fall due to a broken hand from a summer game, Landon’s return was huge for our team. Our team seemed to sharpen up upon his return and we did not lose from then on out. He plays a solid third base for us and continues to grow as a pitcher on the mound. We will need him to continue his growth this spring.”
Shelton on Goldsmith: “Jesse saw a lot more time in right field this fall and did a tremendous job out there. Not only was he solid, but he possesses a very strong arm from that position. Jesse had a much more consistent offensive season for us as well, settling in nicely in the middle part of the order and making our lineup much deeper. Jesse even saw some time behind the plate this fall and did a very nice job for us. We appreciate his willingness to do what is needed to help our team win.”
Shelton on Smith: “James saw most of his time on the Junior Varsity last fall but did make a few contributions as a pinch runner and he also made a spot start in the Higbee Tournament Championship game where he came up big for us collecting two hits and reaching base three times. James brings a lot of energy to the team and has improved a lot over the past few seasons. I am excited to see what he can bring this spring.”
Sophomores Tripp Caldwell and Logan Connell along with freshmen Riley Foster, Brayden Crawford, Noah Harrison, Cashton Murphy, Wyatt Sherrell, Landon Smith and Derek Emmert provide Crocker with a strong group of underclassmen.
“I believe our team will be very tough this spring,” Shelton said. “Over the past year and a half, we have really worked on competitiveness and being ready/prepared for every game. This team has really started to develop some toughness and grit and has learned how to remain in the fight in every game, whether ahead or trailing. We will look to continue to get strong pitching on the mound and pair that with solid defense. We understand that whenever you put those two things together, you are always able to stay in a game and compete. This allows your offense to do enough to hopefully win you a ballgame. Over the course of the season, we have also found that consistency is key. Not getting too high and not getting too low. We understand that the season is a long one and can have its ups and downs. Staying consistent allows you to get through the season and hopefully be playing your best ball come May.”
Crocker opens the season on Mar. 15 at home against Bourbon.
