Brandon’s varsity baseball team hopes to combine an influx of talent with some familiar faces to produce an exciting team this season.
The Blackhawks seek to put last season’s record of 15-20 (including a 4-8 Flint Metro League record) in the past, and this year’s team will feature eight returning players and six newcomers.
Brandon coach Ron Wagner said the Blackhawks have been working hard in the summer and during the offseason. He said those players who were not involved in a fall or winter sport worked on weightlifting, throwing and fielding.
Wagner hopes that hard work will pay off this season. ‘If they can do what they’ve showed during practice, it could be pretty exciting this season,? he said.
Anchoring this year’s team are the two co-captains (who were also captains on last year’s team), seniors Andrew Harding and Ray Reynolds.
Harding, who already has signed a letter of intent with Oakland University, was a first team All-League selection last season as an outfielder, and will also pitch for the Blackhawks this season.
‘He’s definitely an impact player on our team ? there’s no question about it,? Brandon coach Ron Wagner said. ‘We’re looking for some good leadership out of Andy this year.?
Meanwhile, Reynolds, who was named to last year’s All-League team as a catcher, will see double duty this year as both a catcher and pitcher.
The Blackhawks also have four other seniors this season. Wagner said ‘one of our most valuable players? this season is Jeff Carroll, who can play all nine positions on the field. Wagner said Carroll will see time this year at all the infield positions and play some time in the outfield.
Leading off this season in the Brandon lineup will be second baseman Travis Spry, a three-year varsity starter. Wagner said the Blackhawks ‘will definitely look to him for offense and stealing bases.?
Rounding out the list of Brandon seniors are Austin Dery, a right fielder/pitcher, and Jon Eggert, who will help the Blackhawks at second base, first base, in the outfield, and as a pitcher.
Two juniors round out the list of returning Blackhawks: left fielder Andrew Hyde, who Wagner said could steal between 30-35 bases this season, and designated hitter Curtis Byers, who battled injuries for much of last season.
As far as the six varsity newcomers, Wagner said they all bring different talents to the team. Here are his thoughts on each of these six players:
‘Ryan Smith, senior, outfielder ? ‘He can definitely run some bases for us, and has good speed.?
‘Matt Cinader, junior, shortstop ? ‘There’s no limit on what he can be as a player. He has the talent and tools to play college baseball. He definitely swings a good bat.?
‘Ryan Claycomb, junior, third base ? ‘He seems to have a real nice glove, and can be molded into a nice batter.?
‘Kenny McNeil, junior, outfield/second base/pitcher ? ‘We’re looking for him to be one of our top relief pitchers this season.?
‘Robert Thompson, junior, first base/pitcher ? ‘He could become one of our top pitchers.?
‘Jake Feltner, sophomore, pitcher, catcher, outfield ? ‘He has great potential. He’ll be our catcher when Reynolds is pitching.?
Wagner said he is optimistic about this team’s pitching. Although he said the team lacks a definite number-one starter, they make up for it in numbers.
‘Pitching-wise, this team could be the best I’ve had in my 15 years here,? he said. ‘I’ve never had this many kids throw pretty well.?
Wagner said the Flint Metro League will again feature plenty of quality baseball this season. Although he said Fenton is likely the league favorite, and Oxford and Lapeer West will bear watching, he added that ‘whoever gets a break here or there will win the league.?
The Blackhawks were scheduled to host a scrimmage at 11 a.m. Saturday, Mar. 25 at their junior varsity field (behind Brandon Middle School) against Lake Orion. Reynolds said it will be an opportunity to see how the Blackhawks measure up against a top state Division 1 program.
‘I think our pitchers will get some good work against one of the better hitters in the state,? he said.
Brandon is also scheduled to take part in a Mar. 31 scrimmage against Davison before they open their regular season Apr. 3 against Hartland.