By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Carthage baseball enjoyed another successful season in 2025.
The Tigers compiled a 17-16 season, falling to Raymore-Peculiar in the district tournament.
Head coach Kevin Burgi was pleased with his team’s development, especially considering the competitive nature of the Central Ozark Conference.
“We were able to win some games, but more importantly, we proved that we could compete in the COC West,” Burgi said. “That was a big step for our program. Our biggest takeaway from the season is that we need to continue building off those experiences and keep growing from what we’ve learned. The foundation is there — now it’s about taking the next step.”
A trio of seniors return to lead Carthage this season in Carson Kinder (all-conference), Blayne Lillienkamp (all-conference and all-district) and Cooper Jackson.
Burgi on Kinder: “Carson Kinder has been a consistent presence during offseason workouts and is really stepping into a leadership role. He does a great job holding others accountable and setting the standard for how we want things done.”
Burgi on Lillienkamp: “Blayne Lillienkamp will play a major role both on the mound and in the lineup. He’s a strong leader who continues to grow within the program and understands what it takes to compete at a high level.”
Burgi on Jackson: “Cooper Jackson will play an infield spot and also be a vital piece of our pitching staff. He brings a great attitude every day and comes to the field in a good mood, ready to work and compete.”
Landon West (all-conference and all-district), Tate Nichols and Bronx Bridges also return for the Tigers.
Burgi on West: “Landon West has been a major part of our lineup since breaking in as a freshman and hit .362 last season. He’s a consistent presence offensively and gives us experience in the middle of the order.”
Burgi on Nichols: “Tate Nichols started about half of our games as a sophomore. He does a lot of great things defensively and has made some significant adjustments to his swing this offseason that we’re excited about.”
Burgi on Bridges: “Bronx Bridges won the starting job as a freshman and did a great job leading our pitching staff. He showed maturity beyond his years and continues to develop into a key piece of our rotation.”
Burgi also expects several newcomers to step in and compete for varsity innings this season in Cohen Oches, Cooper Thron, Blake Wickland, Rhett, Lyckman, Lane Mitchell, Kade Beatty, Brayden O’Dell and Lathe Haslip.
On the mound, Carthage will feature a staff of Kinder, Lillienkamp, Jackson, Bridges, Thron, Oches and Beatty.
“We do have to replace a lot of innings from last year, but we’ve been really happy with what we’ve seen during summer and winter workouts,” Burgi said. “Our senior arms will carry us this season (Jackson, Kinder and Lillienkamp). How far we go will really depend on how they perform and lead on the mound. The season will go as far as they want us to.”
With plenty of talent and experience in the lineup, Burgi believes his team is capable of competing on a nightly basis and must remain consistent for a postseason run to be possible.
“My expectation is that our kids will compete to win every game,” Burgi said. “Baseball is a funny game, and anything can happen on a given day, so our focus is on showing up, playing the game the right way, and giving ourselves a chance every time out. If a score doesn’t go our way, we move on to the next one and compete for that game. That mentality has to stay consistent throughout the season.”
Following a March 16 jamboree, Carthage opens its season March 20 against Sarcoxie at the Mickey Owen Baseball School.
