By Chris Parker
Alex Wheeler enters his second season as head coach of the East Newton baseball program with six starters and nine lettermen returning.
The team is looking for its first winning season since 2019 coming off a 10-18 campaign last year.
“I think we will be more athletic this season, able to do more on the basepaths and defend at a high level,” Wheeler said. “We also return our best hitters from last season, so we believe we will have higher offensive production.”
The Patriot pitching staff will be led by Carson Rinehart (sophomore), Braxton Wolfe (senior) and Christian Cook (senior).
Rinehart brings good swing-and-miss stuff to the mound. He posted a 2.49 ERA and struck out 31 in 19.2 innings pitched last season.
Wolfe fills up the zone and works quickly. He has shown marked improvement on the mound since last season.
“Braxton Wolfe went from not really being on my radar as a pitcher to potentially being one of the best pitchers we have,” Wheeler said.
Wolfe also hit .359 with five doubles, three triples, 19 RBI, 21 runs scored and 10 stolen bases last season.
Cook mixes pitches well and controls the opponent’s run game well.
Senior Josh Mathis returns behind the plate at catcher. Junior Tanner Woods could also see time catching.
Around the infield look for Will Eichelberger (sophomore first base), Grant Friend (junior first base), Rinehart (second and third base), Brady Siler (junior infield), Tucker Larsen (sophomore infield), Wolfe (left side of infield), and Braiden VanLue (shortstop).
The outfield will feature Luke Moore (senior centerfield), Will Eichelberger (senior centerfield), Wyatt Dunn (junior right field), Friend (right field), Larsen (right field), Hunter Howe (sophomore right field), and Layton Pilcher (junior outfield). Pilcher will also compete for time as designated hitter.
Will Eichelberger, Wolfe and Cook were identified as team leaders by Wheeler.
Wheeler on Will Eichelberger: “Will Eichelberger has turned into a great vocal leader for us, his knowledge of the game is very high, and he does a great job on holding his teammates to a high standard.”
Wheeler on Wolfe: “Braxton Wolfe is our lead by example guy, always doing things the right way and plays with a tremendous amount of urgency and grit.”
Wheeler on Cook: “Christian Cook is kind of our staff leader, does a great job of setting a good example to our younger pitchers of how to get outs and believe in their stuff with an attack mentality.”
East Newton opens the regular season on Mar. 20 at Carthage.
“I would like the identity of this year’s team to be an athletic team that plays fast and works efficiently on the mound with a next guy up mentality as we have a deep bench,” Wheeler said. “I expect our players to continue to develop and grow our culture, as well as grow an excitement around the program in our community.”
