With the start of a new high school baseball season comes renewed hopes and expectations for teams across the country. And for the Manchester High School baseball team, that is no different. With a strong core of returning players and promising newcomers, Coach Shane Smith is optimistic about the team's chances for success this season.
One of the biggest strengths for the Manchester High School baseball team this year is their returning players. Coach Smith highlights four players who were named to the All-Conference team last season: Ethan Hendrix, Harper Sturtsman, Hunter Bean, and Landen Bean. These players have proven their skills and leadership abilities on the field, making them valuable assets to the team.
Ethan Hendrix stands out for his impressive .432 batting average, line-to-line power, and above-average defense. He also has the ability to steal 25+ bases, making him a threat on the base paths. Harper Sturtsman, a sophomore, has already earned the recognition of being a member of the all-region team and has been an excellent closer for the team. He has a powerful fastball and great command, making him a key player on the mound.
Hunter Bean, who has bought into the off-season program, has improved drastically and is competing for a spot as a conference game pitcher. Although Landen Bean is currently recovering from a knee procedure, he was originally competing for the starting catcher spot and is expected to make an impact once he returns to the field.
In addition to these returning players, Coach Smith also has high hopes for some new additions to the team. One of them is sophomore Brendyn Mugford, who has shown a strong work ethic and a desire to lead the team. Another promising newcomer is freshman Bryson Enyeart, who has played a lot of baseball and offers versatility as a catcher and speed on the bases.
When it comes to team captains, Coach Smith does not officially appoint them, but he recognizes Ethan Hendrix as the heartbeat of the team. As a four-year starter, Hendrix leads by example and through his words. Another standout leader is sophomore Harper Sturtsman, who has natural leadership abilities despite being an underclassman. His impressive stats and work ethic make him a respected member of the team.
To push his players to their full potential, Coach Smith focuses on positive reinforcement and setting high standards. He believes that competition within the team and constantly pushing players to be their best helps them reach their full potential. He also emphasizes the importance of having fun, accountability, and vulnerability within the team.
Preparing for the season has not been without its challenges, particularly due to the smaller size of the school and team. Coach Smith notes that having multi-sport athletes can limit attendance at off-season workouts and create minimal competition within the roster. However, he believes that constantly striving for excellence and playing the most deserving players regardless of class or name will motivate the team to push themselves to be the best.
The team's schedule is also quite challenging, as they will face tough opponents such as Oak Hill, Eastern, and Huntington North. Coach Smith also looks forward to facing their county and conference rivals, as well as two teams that made Semi-State appearances last year.
When it comes to his coaching style, Coach Smith remains consistent with his philosophy and standards. However, with the loss of key leaders from last season, he plans to empower his returning players and encourage them to step up and lead the team. He also continues to be a lifelong learner and seeks new information to give his team a competitive edge.
The mental aspect of the game is also crucial for the Manchester High School baseball team. Coach Smith and his coaching staff work on creating a supportive and relaxed environment for players to excel in. They also focus on mindfulness and mental approaches, discussing the game as it unfolds and learning from each play.
In terms of training and conditioning, the team has implemented an extensive throwing and plyometric program for pitchers. They also focus on building explosiveness and athleticism through plyometrics and weight lifting. Coach Smith has adopted programs from experts such as Dr. Jim Stoppani and the Overtime Athletes and Summers Method.
As the season begins, Coach Smith and the Manchester High School baseball team will rely on their strengths such as returning All-Conference players, baserunning skills, and power hitters, while also working on improving their weaknesses. With a strong focus on teamwork, competition, and pushing players to their full potential, Coach Smith hopes to lead his team to success and achieve their goals of stealing 140 bases, sweeping the county, winning the conference, and winning Sectional.
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