By Chris Parker
Walnut Grove baseball must replace six graduated lettermen from last season’s eight-win team. That group included five players who earned postseason honors.
Eight players with varsity experience return from last season’s team according to head coach Mason Sanders. That group includes: AJ Hagan (senior), Johnny Keith (junior), Jordan McClatchy (senior), Tanner McMillen (junior), Landon McMillen (junior), Rhett McMillen (junior), Preston Simpson (junior) and Deisl Phillips (sophomore).
Sanders on Hagan: “AJ will be one of our true leaders on this team. He dealt with an early injury last year, but instantly became our everyday utility guy on the infield. He will also see plentiful opportunity on the mound this year.”
Sanders on Keith: “Johnny was one of our hottest bats for the second half of the season. He will hit and pitch in big games for us and be one of our leaders. He was a second-team all-district selection last year.”
Sanders on McClatchy: “Jordan hasn’t had much baseball experience, but he will be an integral part of his senior year. He will play an interesting role on the varsity team and have a play in team decision-making throughout the year.”
Sanders on Tanner McMillen: “Tanner will be a large part of our offensive lineup this year. He has progressed into a solid bat and will hit the ball very hard for us.”
Sanders on Landon McMillen: “Landon is developing into a more skilled athlete and could play his way into a starting spot this year, especially as a catcher.”
Sanders on Rhett McMillen: “Rhett played a cool role for us last year. He was probably a six-hole bat but hit nine-hole for us last year and was an on base machine. Rhett is dealing with a back injury currently but should see the field this year as our centerfielder when healthy.”
Sanders on Simpson: “Preston has become a much better hitter over the last year and could see time anywhere in the yard. He is a part of a battle for the starting catcher job to replace (Gavin) Fortner.”
Sanderson on Phillips: “Deisl is an athletic kid who courtesy ran some last year. He has a better understanding for the game and will see time all over the yard, especially on the mound.”
CLICK HERE TO FIND LINKS TO ALL OF OUR SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Junior Casey Long and sophomores Brody Sorensen and Zander Busse will be new players to watch this year. Sanders also expects freshmen Chase Brown, Ethan Kelley, Ryder Boone, Montana McVay, Joey McGee and Jake Holman to be varsity factors.
Walnut Grove opens the season on Mar. 17 at Fair Play.
“I have a positive outlook for the year,” Sanders said. “After losing as many seniors on our pitching staff as we did, I believe we will fare well. We have some solid newcoming talent and solid veterans. My philosophy for the year will be to fill up the zone and put pressure on teams with our bats.”
