2021 Spring Preview: Glendale Baseball

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By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

By this point, the core of Glendale’s 2019 district championship team is gone.

Change is ahead for the Falcons, and coach Jim Julian is excited for it.

The starting lineup is to be determined. The only thing that’s really known is this: Preseason practices will be very competitive.

“Pretty much everyone on the team this year comes in with a chance to compete for varsity playing time,” Julian said. “We only have a couple of players that had any varsity experience. There should be a ton of healthy competition at practices and that will make for some competitive and intense early season scrimmages.

“As a coaching staff, we are really excited about that aspect. We anticipate every player in the program, from freshmen to seniors, to have a chance to break the varsity lineup.”

Seniors Isaac Wells and Zach Beatty lead the way for a new-look Glendale team.

Wells pitched mostly on JV as a sophomore. He got one varsity start in 2019 and will become a key pitcher in the Glendale rotation this season.

“We look for Isaac to anchor our pitching staff and play a position when he is not on the mound,” Julian said. “He will compete for a middle of the lineup spot as well.”

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Beatty is one of the better athletes on the team. Like Wells, Beatty saw only a bit of varsity action as a sophomore. He helped ignite Glendale’s comeback win over Nixa in the district championship game.

Two years later, the Falcons now turn to Beatty for much more production.

“He’ll contribute on the mound this year and compete for either and infield or outfield spot,” Julian said. “He is a very disciplined hitter who runs well and shows good leadership qualities. He’s also aggressive on the bases and is a smart baserunner.”

From there, there are a lot of newcomers and players from Glendale’s 2019 JV squad looking to move up.

Six other seniors will fill out the Glendale roster.

Kent Lockhart is competing for starting catcher.

“He’s a hard-working kid who handles pitchers well and is a good defensive catcher,” Julian said.

Justin Letterman could catch as well or play the outfield.

Carson Wade and Andrew Clemens give are athletic players who could see time in the outfield or on the mound.

Jude Burch could emerge as a starting pitcher along with playing the outfield. Fellow senior Jayce Rollins gives the Falcons additional outfield depth.

Expect the Falcons to utilize their team speed whenever possible.

“Our philosophy will be to always try to put pressure on the opposing defense,” Julian said. “We are going to look to use our team speed to our advantage, play small ball and hopefully take advantage of what the defense gives us. Throwing strikes and playing solid defense will be a priority as well.”

Five juniors are looking to make an impact as varsity players.

Caimon Kuhfal can play middle infield or third base. He also gives the Falcons another option along the pitching staff.

“He runs well, has a plus arm and a good baseball IQ,” Julian said.

Jack Reid, a multi-sport athlete, brings good athleticism and speed to the infield.

Jayden Tarbert is another name to watch at catcher.

“Jayden pays a lot of attention to detail and knows the game well,” Julian said.

Jackson Talburt could see time at first base and on the mound. Julian praised Talburt’s passion for the game and work ethic.

“Jackson is one of those kids that loves to practice and ask questions about baseball,” Julian said. “He is always eager to learn and is very coachable.”

Lucas Chadwell could earn some innings as a pitcher.

“We will look to just keep it simple and limit offensive opportunities for our opponents,” Julian said. “Our upperclassman are very good leaders and take pride in teaching the underclassman the Glendale way. They have been very welcoming to our underclassmen in all of our offseason workouts.”

Several sophomores are in line to earn prominent varsity roles as well.

Brooks Kettering is an all-around player who can hit, pitch and play defense. He’ll play the infield and provides some pop in the Falcons’ lineup.

“He runs well, has a high baseball IQ, good defensive footwork and possesses a strong arm,” Julian said. “Brooks has a lot of upside and is a hard worker who enjoys the competition of practice and games.”

Spencer Pottebaum offers intriguing upside as a pitcher. The 6’2” Pottebaum could earn a spot in the Glendale pitching rotation.

“He is a fierce competitor on the inside but calm and cool on the outside,” Julian said. “He’s a long and lanky guy with good stuff.

Carter Lewis can pitch and play first base.

“He’s a big body who moves well and swings a healthy bat,” Julian said.

DJ Cofield is a speedy outfielder with good defensive kills.

“He handles the bat well and can really run,” Julian said. “He takes good angles in the outfield and has an accurate arm.”

Luke Lohman is a quality hitter and another name to watch at catcher.

Kaden Cardwell (OF), Ryder Young (IF) and Drew Repogle (OF/P) give the Falcons additional depth in various spots.

After missing 2020, Julian and the Falcons are eager to see what’s in store this spring.

“We are excited to get back on the field after a long hiatus,” Julian said. “We have a good group of kids that have been working hard since last summer to get ready for this season. They are excited to show what they can do at the varsity level.”

Two years ago, the Falcons were hoisting the program’s first district championship in 14 years. The Falcons won it in thrilling fashion, rallying from behind to beat Nixa 4-2.

The Falcons would go on to beat Camdenton in sectionals before falling to Willard in the Class 5 quarterfinals.

Glendale had many juniors on that 2019 squad set to return as seniors in 2020.

Timothy Glenn and David Wells would’ve been the top two pitchers in Glendale’s rotation.

Glenn also played the infield when he didn’t pitch.

“Timothy was a very athletic defender with a strong arm,” Julian said.

Julian described Wells as a “cerebral pitcher” who commanded the game when he was on the mound.

“David did a great job of keeping hitters off balance and keeping the ball at the bottom of the zone,” Julian said. “He got a ton of groundballs and did a great job of letting the defense play behind him. He threw a lot of strikes and had good poise.”

Turner Jackson was set to be the team’s starting catcher and a middle-of-the-order hitter.

“Turner was a vocal leader who was positive and upbeat during games,” Julian said. “He did a good job leading our team, handling pitchers and keeping the other guys focused and relaxed.”

Tommy Carr would’ve played infield and hit high in the batting order.

Matthew Kellerstrass was one of the fastest players on the team and a threat any time he reached based. The center fielder would’ve hit near the top of Glendale’s lineup as well.

“Matthew could change a game with his speed,” Julian said. “When he got on base he never stopped moving and caused a lot of defensive miscues with his aggressiveness. He would’ve stolen a lot of bases.”

Charlie Woodworth and Alex Tarter were utility players who could’ve seen action at multiple positions.

“Charlie had good power and a good glove,” Julian said. “Alex was a very athletic kid. He was a good contact guy who could move a runner or bunt for a hit very well. He had good speed and was always a threat to run.”

Harper Brady and Tyler McLallen were competing for playing time in Glendale’s outfield.

“Harper worked hard the last couple of years to turn himself into a guy that could compete for playing time,” Julian said. “Tyler had good speed and took good angles to balls in the outfield.”

Glendale begins the regular season March 20 in a home doubleheader. The Falcons play Carthage at 10 a.m., then Kennett at 3 p.m. later that day.

Glendale’s skipper is likely to achieve a career milestone this season. Julian, who previously coached at Forsyth, is seven wins away from reaching 300 for his career.

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