By Chris Parker
Norwood baseball went 14-13 last season and won a district title, the third in the past four seasons.
All nine starters return from that team.
“I feel like we will be very competitive this year,” Norwood head coach Drew Miller said. “We are bringing back a seasoned group. Our seniors have played in two state quarterfinals in their three years of high school. We will lean on upperclassmen leadership.”
Pierce Lawson, Cooper Vaughan and Gary Williams all return after earning some form of postseason honor last season.
Lawson, an outfielder, hit .425 with eight doubles, two triples, 13 RBI and 16 stolen bases.
“Pierce will play left field and pitcher and hit middle of the lineup for us,” Miller said.
Vaughan was 7-3 on the mound with a 1.51 ERA while hitting .284 at the plate with 12 RBI and 26 stolen bases.
“Cooper will see a lot of innings on the mound and play middle infield. He will swing at the top of the lineup,” Miller said.
Williams, a utility player, hit .279 with 24 total hits.
“Gary will play corner infield and pitcher and be a big bat for us,” Miller said.
Noah Drake returns for his senior season after missing last year due to injury. He will be in centerfield. Carder Kelly (junior second baseman), Caden Black (junior infield), Holten Lopez (junior first base/pitcher), Laken Coatney (sophomore middle infield/pitcher), Pete McCune (sophomore right field) and Brady Vaughn (sophomore catcher) also return.
Carson Vaughan (freshman), CJ Saladin (senior), Wyatt Bolfing (junior), Hunner Finch (junior), Tanner Patterson (sophomore), Chayton Bagnall (sophomore), Drae Bradshaw (freshman) and Caleb Harden (freshman) will be newcomers looking for varsity time.
Norwood opens the regular season on Mar. 21 at Hurley.
