Joey Little returns as head coach of the Hurley baseball program. He was previously head coach from 2004-12 and 2016-19.
Six starters return from last season’s 10-win team.
Jordan Cloud, Caysen Youngblood, Mason Dunn and Chase Bowling will be competing for the top spot in the pitching rotation.
Cloud was 1-2 on the mound as a junior while driving in 17 runs and stealing 10 bases offensively.
“Jordan may be the hardest worker on the team,” Little said. “He has gotten stronger and will hit with power this year. He really developed into one of our top pitchers last spring. I will lean on him to be a leader.”
Youngblood finished 2-2 pitching last season. He hit .472 with six doubles, 11 RBI and 18 stolen bases.
“I expect Caysen to have a great year pitching, hitting, and being a leader,” Little said. “He will be one of four pitchers battling it out to be our top pitcher. He is very athletic and will play many positions.”
Mason Dunn notched two wins on the hill and hit .397 with six doubles, 11 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
“Mason has the ability to be the top pitcher we have,” Little said. “Mason needs to trust what is being told to him. Mason hit over .300 in the fall, and I expect him to hit even better this spring. He’s fast and will steal bases when he gets on.”
Bowling is playing his first season of spring high school baseball.
“Chase did not play high school baseball until he came over in the fall of 2024,” Little said. “It took him awhile to get going in the fall, but I could see great potential from him. He played outfield and infield for us in the fall. At the end of the fall season, he showed us that he could become a legit starter for us. He could have a big year.”
Senior Alex Medlin will be the main catcher with classmate Michael Burnett also a potential player behind the plate.
“Alex played second base and outfield last year. He could be our starting catcher the way he improved since last year,” Little said. “I need him to step up and work hard behind the plate. He’s willing to do whatever we ask of him.”
Cloud, Youngblood, Daniel Keithley, Noah Powell, Bowling and Cooper Wolfe will make up the infield.
Keithly is a true utility player.
“Daniel plays several positions for us. He plays first base, third base, outfield and pitches,” Little said. “I need him to improve on making more contact at the plate. I expect huge improvements from him.”
Powell will be atop the lineup.
“Noah stopped playing last spring after five games. He did come back in the fall to play again. Noah will bat at the top of our lineup because he usually puts the ball in play,” Little said. “He can play several infield positions. He works hard and is ready to have a great year.”
Bowling, Wolfe, Dunn, Medlin, Andrew Escobar, Josh Lane, Anthony Smith and Axel Langley are all competing for time in the outfield.
Escobar has shown improvement since last spring.
“Andrew is a very hard worker and is willing to put in extra time to get better,” Little said. “He plays outfield for us. In the fall, his batting improved by 200 points compared to last spring. I expect this to continue.”
Hurley opens the season on Mar. 21 at home against Norwood.
“This season the team is ready to put in the hard work needed to compete at a high level,” Little said. “Led by several dedicated seniors, the goal is clear: bring home a district title. The team’s success will be built on strong defense, smart play, and mastering the fundamentals. Expect to see a focus on small ball, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity, and making every at-bat count. On the mound, throwing strikes will be the key to keeping opponents off balance and giving the defense a chance to shine. Additionally, a few underclassmen are stepping up and pushing for playing time, adding depth and competition to the roster. With discipline, teamwork, and determination, this group is ready to make a deep run and leave their mark on the program.”
