By Chris Parker
Gainesville baseball returns six varsity starters and eight lettermen from last season’s 13-win team.
“I am very excited for these boys,” Gainesville head coach Blake Hobbs said. “They have put the work in the offseason. The ultimate test will be how we handle adversity. We showed a lot of grit and determination this fall. We went 15-1 and won the Summit Conference championship, but that was the fall. The spring is different due to different teams we play and the drive of competing for the state playoffs. The boys are excited, and I think they are ready to get the ball rolling.”
Grant Leeker, Hunter Luna, Owen Donley, Brayden Miller, Dawson Hewett and Cutter Morrison are the returning starters with Kolby Anderson and Lyle Pippin as returning lettermen.
Leeker threw 39 innings with 54 strikeouts and a 3.05 ERA. At the plate, he posted a 1.081 OPS with nine doubles, 22 RBI and 27 runs scored. Luna was just behind him with 33.1 innings and 42 strikeouts leading to a 2.73 ERA. He hit .356 with 22 RBI and 11 runs scored.
Luna, Leeker, Hewett, Miller, Morrison and Avery Rodrigue will be the key pitchers this season.
Morrison and Keegan Crouse will handle the catching duties.
Luna (third base), Leeker (first base), Owen Donley (second base), Miller (shortstop) and Crouse (utility) will be around the infield.
Aden Gaulding (left field), Hewett (center/right field), Anderson (center/right field) and Leeker (centerfield) will be in the outfield.
Luna and Leeker will be key leaders.
“Hunter Luna and Grant Leeker seem to be the main guys in the fall as our leaders,” Hobbs said. “They have the most varsity experience. Usually in our biggest game, these boys will have the ball on the mound to start the game. However, as a team, we have multiple guys step up on different days.”
Gainesville opens the season Mar. 21 at home against Cabool.
“I expect us to be very competitive,” Hobbs said. “I think we have a chance to win every time we step on the field. It will be a battle in between the ears for us. Are we mentally tough enough to beat that team in the other dugout? Are we mentally tough enough to handle adversity?”
