By Chris Parker
Fordland baseball is poised for a big season with seven starters and most of the pitching returning from last season’s 21-win team.
“Our pitching depth will be one of our greatest strengths,” Fordland head coach Sam Waterman said. “I have six kids I feel comfortable putting out there in a varsity game. We will throw a lot of strikes and challenge hitters every night. We have good experience up and down the lineup with seven returning starters from last spring and a few others who got their first taste of varsity baseball this fall. Fordland has a bunch of kids who are good teammates and really work hard for each other. They all get along pretty well and have a good time together. We are looking to build off last season and hopefully be able to make a postseason run.”
That deep pitching staff will be led by Luke Waterman. He threw 56.1 innings with 74 strikeouts and a 2.11 ERA last season.
“Luke has been our best pitcher for the past three years,” Coach Waterman said. “His fastball velocity is in the low to mid 80’s and has a very good curve ball. He throws a ton of strikes and attacks hitters very well. He has a good understanding of how to pitch, and we have been competitive every time he steps on the mound. The only time he ever gets in trouble is when he throws too many strikes.”
Waterman, who is a two-time all-state selection, will play shortstop when not pitching while also being a key hitter. He hit .455 with a 1.076 OPS driving in 22 runs and scoring 38 with 31 stolen bases.
“He is currently No. 1 all time in hits for Fordland High School and still has his senior season to play,” Coach Waterman said. “He gets on base at a very high rate and is easy to score once he is on base. He is a very smart player and handles the infield as well as anyone around. He is a good teammate and hard worker and is the type of player that makes everyone else around him better.”
Sophomore Jake Hart also brings good velocity to the mound. He threw 50 innings with 77 strikeouts and a 1.26 ERA as a freshman. When not pitching, he will be at third base. He had a .421 on-base percentage with 27 RBI and 25 runs scored.
“When Jake is on and having a good game, he is just as good as Luke,” Coach Waterman said. “His fastball is in the low to mid 80’s with a lot of potential for more. As he develops more control and consistency, I expect him to be one of our better pitchers.”
Connor Criger and Drew Waterman are two more sophomores who will throw key innings. Criger has the most experience of the duo throwing 14.1 innings with a 2.44 ERA and 13 strikeouts.
“Connor and Drew really took a big step forward on the mound this fall and pitched a ton of valuable innings for our team,” Coach Waterman said. “They have very similar styles. They both throw a lot of strikes and compete very well on the mound. Their velocity continues to creep up and can both throw any pitch in any count. I am excited to see how they continue to develop as sophomores. Depending on how some of our other guys perform, I can see them both starting games as well as coming out of the bullpen.”
Criger is a utility player when not pitching while Drew Waterman will be at second base or in a utility role depending on who is pitching. Criger scored 18 runs and drove in 14 more last season. Drew Waterman had a .424 on-base percentage with 23 RBI and 13 runs scored.
Matt Hart will throw out of the bullpen. He was third on the team with 29.1 innings pitched and 31 strikeouts last season.
“Matt will most likely pitch out of the bullpen. Consistency has been a problem with Matt, but when he is right he is as good as any of our guys,” Coach Waterman said.
Hart is also an all-state centerfielder. He hit .376 with a 1.049 OPS driving in 19 runs and scoring 32.
“Matt Hart was named honorable mention all-state outfield last year,” Coach Waterman said. “He was also named second-team all-conference and first-team all-district. He has transitioned from the infield to the outfield and has really helped our team defensively out there. He is a very good athlete with a lot of range and saves us a lot of runs. Matt is currently No. 2 in hits all time at Fordland High School.”
Senior Brayden Cunningham rounds out the pitching staff.
“Brayden will pitch out of the bullpen,” Coach Waterman said. “He throws a lot of strikes and gives us a chance to stay in games.”
Cunningham along with fellow senior Elijah Lockett will also see time in right field.
Sophomore Brycen Cunningham will handle the catching duties.
“This fall we used Brycen as our primary catcher,” Coach Waterman said. “He continues to improve behind the plate and our defense is best everywhere else when he can be behind the plate.”
Drew Waterman will also catch innings when Brycen Cunningham is not.
Parker Cunningham (senior 1B) and Brycen Hembree (senior LF) round out the defensive lineup.
Fordland opens the season on Mar. 19 at home against Reeds Spring.
“Our guys will play hard every night. We have had a good taste of success the past few seasons and I think we are ready to take another step forward this year,” Coach Waterman said. “I think if everyone stays healthy we are capable of winning our conference and district.”
