As the Rittman High School baseball team prepares for the upcoming season, Head Coach Joe Staley has set clear goals: play hard, remain competitive, and aim for 15 wins while making a strong postseason run. Despite a young and relatively inexperienced roster, the team is leaning on veteran leadership to guide them through a challenging season.
Goals for the Season: Competing with Purpose
The team’s primary focus this season is to compete at a high level and develop a strong foundation for future success. With a tough conference schedule ahead, the key to achieving their goals lies in consistent effort, smart play, and team chemistry.
Returning Players to Watch
Several key players are back and expected to make a significant impact:
Caleb Smith (Senior, LHP/1B) – Committed to Mount Union, Smith has led the team in home runs for the past two seasons and earned honorable mention all-conference honors.
Spencer Welch (Junior) – The team’s batting leader in his first two years, Welch was named all-conference last season and will be a crucial contributor.
Jaxon Miller (Senior), Christian DuBiel (Junior), Odin Weirick (Junior), Braydon Louk (Junior), and Carson Smith (Sophomore) – These players bring valuable experience, helping new varsity members transition into their roles.
Newcomers Expected to Shine
The team will also feature fresh talent ready to contribute immediately:
Jacob Bishop (Senior), Joey Schimpf (Sophomore), and Tito Brumfield (Sophomore) – These players have worked hard in the offseason and are adjusting to new positions, showing promise in early preparations.
Leadership and Team Captains
Leadership plays a critical role in Rittman’s program, and this season’s captains—Spencer Welch and Caleb Smith—embody the qualities of dedication, work ethic, and team-first mentality. The coaching staff emphasizes setting a positive example for younger players and representing the school and community with pride.
Building Team Chemistry
To strengthen team unity, the Indians have welcomed guest speakers to discuss leadership and camaraderie. Additionally, a team trip to Columbus at the beginning of the season will provide an opportunity for bonding and chemistry-building outside of the usual practice setting.
Challenges and Adjustments
The biggest obstacles facing the team include low roster numbers and injury concerns. With a small group, staying healthy and adaptable will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness throughout the season.
Tough Opponents and Exciting Matchups
Rittman faces a tough conference schedule featuring powerhouse programs like Waynedale (two state championships in the last three years), Hillsdale, Dalton (state appearances), and Norwayne. These matchups will test the team’s resilience and provide valuable experience for their young players.
A New Coaching Approach
With 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Staley is taking a different approach this season. The Indians will move away from their traditional offensive strategy and embrace a more aggressive style, utilizing speed and chaos on the base paths to keep opposing teams on their toes.
Final Thoughts
Despite facing challenges, the 2025 season presents an opportunity for growth and excitement for Rittman Baseball. With strong leadership, promising young talent, and a fresh offensive strategy, the Indians are ready to compete and leave their mark this season.
 – Committed to Mount Union, Smith has led the team in home runs for the past two seasons and earned honorable mention all-conference honors.
Spencer Welch (Junior) – The team’s batting leader in his first two years, Welch was named all-conference last season and will be a crucial contributor.
Jaxon Miller (Senior), Christian DuBiel (Junior), Odin Weirick (Junior), Braydon Louk (Junior), and Carson Smith (Sophomore) – These players bring valuable experience, helping new varsity members transition into their roles.
Newcomers Expected to Shine
The team will also feature fresh talent ready to contribute immediately:
Jacob Bishop (Senior), Joey Schimpf (Sophomore), and Tito Brumfield (Sophomore) – These players have worked hard in the offseason and are adjusting to new positions, showing promise in early preparations.
Leadership and Team Captains
Leadership plays a critical role in Rittman’s program, and this season’s captains—Spencer Welch and Caleb Smith—embody the qualities of dedication, work ethic, and team-first mentality. The coaching staff emphasizes setting a positive example for younger players and representing the school and community with pride.
Building Team Chemistry
To strengthen team unity, the Indians have welcomed guest speakers to discuss leadership and camaraderie. Additionally, a team trip to Columbus at the beginning of the season will provide an opportunity for bonding and chemistry-building outside of the usual practice setting.
Challenges and Adjustments
The biggest obstacles facing the team include low roster numbers and injury concerns. With a small group, staying healthy and adaptable will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness throughout the season.
Tough Opponents and Exciting Matchups
Rittman faces a tough conference schedule featuring powerhouse programs like Waynedale (two state championships in the last three years), Hillsdale, Dalton (state appearances), and Norwayne. These matchups will test the team’s resilience and provide valuable experience for their young players.
A New Coaching Approach
With 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Staley is taking a different approach this season. The Indians will move away from their traditional offensive strategy and embrace a more aggressive style, utilizing speed and chaos on the base paths to keep opposing teams on their toes.
Final Thoughts
Despite facing challenges, the 2025 season presents an opportunity for growth and excitement for Rittman Baseball. With strong leadership, promising young talent, and a fresh offensive strategy, the Indians are ready to compete and leave their mark this season.
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