By Chris Neyenhouse
Pleasant Hope baseball has plenty of reason to feel optimistic heading into this season.
The Pirates return seven starters from last year’s team that went 8-17. But they’re just two seasons removed from a 16-9 season, their best winning percentage since at least 2008.
“My expectations for the season are for us to stay within ourselves and we talk a lot about ‘enjoying the ride,'” said head coach Jared Gage. “There will be times when it becomes bumpy, but we need to find ways to enjoy the good in the bad and make the most out of learning from failures. We are very excited about this year and look forward to seeing how we compete.”
Gage will have all-state pitcher and center fielder Levi Marshall back for his senior season. Junior Case Murray and sophomore Bryson Craver will also be key members of the rotation.
“Levi is our team leader on a day-in and day-out basis,” Gage said. “His character and discipline set him apart. Every part of his game is better this year. He is better mentally, and physically, and all of his pitches have improved since last spring.”
Other senior leaders include all-district and all-conference catcher Jake Hickman. Duane Hickman is back as the team’s left fielder. Kyron Highfill transitions to right field. Connor Shuler is the first baseman. Junior Trevor Tucker is back to handle the hot corner at third base. Murray is backing up multiple positions, including center field where he will play when Marshall is pitching.
The team is going young up the middle as freshman Bradley Jenkins takes over at shortstop and sophomores Caleb Altic and Bryson Craver will handle second base.
“Some of our biggest improvements were from Caleb Altic and Bryson Craver,” Gage said. “They both earned a lot of playing time as freshmen last year and discovered their specific roles for our team during this time. Their improvements were evident in many ways and their athleticism has only improved since last year.”
Alex Turner, Rylan Buckle, Riley Jarmon, Mason Prince, Laine Pulley, Nathan Shrout, Peyton Guy, Tanner Horvath, and Andrew Harley are also in the mix for playing time.
“We would like to have our identity be built around character,” said Gage. “This complies with our daily thoughts, priorities, and routines. If we can find ways to gravitate around these, I think it will give us more of an opportunity to be the best version of ourselves. This all comes back to how disciplined we are collectively. ”
The Pirates begin their season March 18 when they host the Pleasant Hope Early Bird Baseball Tournament.
