Belmont High Baseball Eyes Growth in 2025 With New Faces, Grit, and Leadership
As the 2025 fall baseball season approaches, Belmont High School’s baseball program is stepping into a year of transition and growth. Head Coach Elliot Dangerfield, now entering another campaign leading the Red Hawks, provided insights into the program’s offseason focus, roster changes, and what fans can expect from a team eager to build on past success while developing a promising core of athletes.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals and Pitching Development
Following the departure of key talent, Coach Dangerfield and his staff made it clear that returning to basics was the priority this offseason. A key loss came in the form of standout pitcher and slugger Arty Rand, whose leadership and production will be difficult to replace.
“Our offseason focus has been on pitching—we lost a key pitcher this year,” said Dangerfield. “We also want to improve our fielding and cut down on our fielding errors.” With limited arms on the mound and several new faces, the coaching staff emphasized technique, fundamentals, and conditioning throughout the spring and summer.
The team began its offseason program with a strong commitment to weight training and fitness. “We focused our first month of spring training on lifting and conditioning, trying to get the team stronger and get their bat speed up,” noted Dangerfield. These efforts aim to improve performance across the board, from pitching stamina to hitting power.
Offseason Activities & Team Building
While no major camps or tournaments were officially locked in over the offseason, many players took matters into their own hands by playing summer ball. These extra reps outside the regular school environment gave athletes a chance to develop their skills in live-game situations.
Plans to attend team camps are in the works, with the athletic department exploring opportunities for skill development and bonding. “We are still working out the details,” Coach Dangerfield said, “but some players are already staying sharp through club participation.”
Roster Shifts: Saying Goodbye to Stars, Welcoming New Talent
Every high school team faces the inevitable turnover that comes with graduation, and Belmont is no different. Losing Arty Rand—a dual threat as a pitcher and power hitter—is a significant blow. “His presence will definitely be missed,” Dangerfield acknowledged.
However, the Red Hawks are welcoming a handful of newcomers who are expected to make an immediate impact. Though their names are still under wraps, it’s clear these players will play critical roles in filling the gap left by outgoing seniors.
Players to Watch: A Talented Junior Core
Despite the roster shake-up, Belmont returns a trio of juniors poised for breakout seasons:
- Trey Williamson: A utility player and starting pitcher, Williamson is the team’s Swiss Army knife. “He can play almost every position,” said Dangerfield. “He had a great season last year, and we look for him to help lead this team to possibly another conference championship.”
- Gavin Bradley: Known for his speed and range, Bradley is a dynamic shortstop and emerging pitcher. He made headlines last season by tying the state record with eight stolen bases in a single game against rival Meadowdale. “He also plays summer ball,” noted Dangerfield, “and we’re excited to get him more time on the mound this year.”
- Carter Blankenship: A clutch hitter and rocket-armed third baseman, Blankenship is moving into a critical role as the team’s primary catcher. “He has gotten us out of some jams with his hitting abilities late in games,” said Dangerfield. “He can also play all over the field.”
With this trio leading the way and supporting a young cast of developing players, Belmont has a solid foundation in place.
Nutrition and Physical Preparation
Nutrition is often an overlooked piece of a successful program, but Belmont has made strides in this area. “Our athletic trainer does a good job with our sports teams, talking to them about nutrition and providing after-practice treats such as protein bars and shakes,” said Dangerfield.
This simple but effective focus on refueling and recovery has helped players stay energized and healthy throughout offseason workouts and conditioning programs.
Coaching Approach: Mentorship and Fundamentals
With only two coaches on staff and a young, skill-developing roster, the program has leaned on its returning players for mentorship. “Half my team are first-year players,” Dangerfield said. “So our focus has been on the basics—proper fielding, batting technique, base running, throwing mechanics, and understanding signs.”
To help maximize coverage and development, veterans like Williamson, Bradley, and Blankenship have stepped up to mentor their teammates. This peer-led development strategy is as much about culture as it is about instruction.
Community Engagement and Fan Communication
Belmont Baseball understands the importance of staying connected with fans and families. Coach Dangerfield’s program leverages multiple platforms to keep supporters engaged:
- Instagram is used to post team updates, game highlights, and player spotlights.
- SportsYou, a team communication app, provides instant updates on schedule changes and logistics.
- GameChanger, a live game scoring and stat-tracking app, allows fans to follow the action in real time—even if they can’t be there in person.
“Our fans and families can join our team on the GameChanger app and get live, in-game updates and stats,” said Dangerfield. “It’s a great way to keep everyone involved.”
Challenges Ahead: Depth and Durability
The Red Hawks’ most pressing challenge is depth, particularly on the mound. “We have a stretch of games where we play four games in a short amount of time,” said Dangerfield. “With only four pitchers currently, we’re going to have to come up with creative ways to keep pitch counts down and ensure they get the proper rest between games.”
That means smart rotations, quick innings, and possibly some two-way players stepping into temporary pitching roles. It’s a tall order, but one the staff is preparing for meticulously.
Eyes on the Horizon
While the 2025 season may be viewed by some as a rebuilding year, Coach Dangerfield sees opportunity.
With a skilled junior core, high-ceiling newcomers, and a commitment to fundamentals, Belmont is positioning itself to remain competitive in a tough conference. If the team can stay healthy, develop consistency on defense, and grow their young arms, a return to the top of the standings isn't out of reach.
“Our goal is simple,” Dangerfield concluded. “Continue developing, minimize mistakes, and compete every single game.”
One thing is clear—the Belmont Red Hawks are gearing up for a season defined by resilience, growth, and a hunger to prove they still belong at the top.
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