As the new season approaches, the Kettering Fairmont High School baseball team is gearing up for another exciting year on the field. With a strong core of returning players and some promising new additions, the team is setting its sights on both short-term and long-term goals.
Leading the pack of returning players is Brayden Vance, a right-handed pitcher who had an impressive record last season despite only playing half of the season due to a leg injury. Vance boasts a 4-1 record with 33 strikeouts in just 32 innings, along with an impressive .866 WHIP and 1.73 ERA. His resilience and determination make him a valuable asset to the team.
Joining Vance on the mound is Tyler Mastro, a versatile player who also plays on the field. Mastro, who has committed to play for Muskingum University, had a strong season last year with a 2-1 record and 25 strikeouts in 22 innings. He also proved to be a reliable hitter with a .300 batting average, 15 stolen bases, and 16 RBIs. His ability to contribute both on the mound and at the plate makes him a key player for the team.
Infielder/outfielder and right-handed pitcher Skyler Slifer is another returning player to keep an eye on. With a .325 batting average, 15 stolen bases, and 22 RBIs, Slifer proved to be a valuable offensive player last season. He also brings versatility to the team with his ability to play multiple positions on the field.
On the pitching side, left-handed pitcher Dillon Johnson and right-handed pitcher Landon Sier also return to the team. Johnson, a commit to Defiance College, had a 3-0 record last season with 21 strikeouts in just 19 innings. Sier, who had a 1.28 WHIP and 1.5 ERA, will look to build upon his success from last season.
Other returning players to keep an eye on include infielder Logan Doty, who had a .250 batting average and a .400 slugging percentage in just the second half of the season, and outfielder Josh Lanning, a three-year varsity starter.
The team also has some talented players from the class of 2025 to watch out for, including Nolan Munch, a right-handed pitcher who has committed to Edison Community College, and Chase Brown, a right-handed pitcher who has committed to Hocking College.
When it comes to team captains, Coach Matt Adams looks for players who possess self-leadership, discipline, and a competitive spirit. Currently, seniors Nolan Munch and Chase Brown are leading the pack, but Adams also expects other players to step up and fill leadership roles.
As the team looks to build chemistry and camaraderie, Adams emphasizes the importance of self-leadership and accountability. He believes that by instilling a sense of responsibility in each player, the team will come together and compete at their highest level.
Motivating players to reach their full potential is a process that Adams understands is fluid and ever-changing. Each year, he must figure out what the team needs to come together and compete. This season, he plans to use competitions to push his players and create a competitive atmosphere.
The biggest challenge for the team this season will be filling the roles left by the 11 seniors who graduated last year. With high expectations and a desire to raise the bar even higher, Adams knows that this year's team will have to work hard and be disciplined to reach their goals.
The team's schedule for this season is expected to be one of the toughest in the state. With defending state champions and many 20-plus-win teams from last year on the schedule, the team will have to bring their A-game every day. But Adams believes that facing tough opponents will only make his team stronger and better prepared for postseason play.
As for any changes or improvements to the team's training and conditioning program, Adams states that they will be focusing on being locked in for every pitch defensively and offensively. With a strong emphasis on discipline and high expectations, the team will be working hard to improve their skills and compete at their best.
As the Kettering Fairmont High School baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, there is no doubt that they have their sights set on success. With a talented group of returning players and some promising new additions, the team is determined to win each day and ultimately capture the conference title. And with their dedication and hard work, they have the potential to achieve even more in the postseason.
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