Goats baseball / softball team excited for sunshine and start of season

CHELAN - Sunflower seeds, gatorade, hot dogs and the muffled sound of a composite bat hitting a ball. These noises mean it is spring time and one other thing, softball and baseball season is upon us. 

It might not seem like it most days, but we are on the precipice of Spring, with baseball and softball both getting their season underway this week. Both take on Kittitas in a double-header on Saturday. 

• Softball

The Goats softball team did a fine job of recruiting this year as they have a total of 37 girls trying out for the team.

“It is the largest numbers we have had in my 17 years,” head coach Jeff Baker said with enthusiasm. “A lof of good young athletes, but now lot of softball experience. We are lead on varsity by the four seniors and two juniors who are all strong players.” 

Despite the lack of overall experience, “I think we will be fairly solid in defense and a pretty good offensive team,” coach Baker stated. “We are not deep in pitching but out pitchers are capable of having a good year. I think the key to this year’s team is if this group of young ladies can play unselfish ball, stay positive and have fun. They know how to play, it will be the chemistry that is crucial.” 

One of the challenges that coach Baker expects is playing the other four teams in their division (Omak, Cashmere, Cascade and Okanogan). 

“Any team could win this league, so I think if you do you do not play your best every game in this league any one of us can beat each other,” coach Baker stated. 

The girls already got started with their Jamboree, where they beat Liberty Bell 28-2 and lost to Brewster 5-1. Both games were only 3 innings. 

After the game, coach baker was happy with how his team played, saying “our young girls played really well.” 

The Lady Goats will take on Kittitas this Saturday, March 18 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Mt. Goat Field by Walmart. 

• Baseball 

Although the snow has caused the baseball team to practice in the parking lot of Mt. Goat Field for some of their practice sessions, coach Dana Papasedero expects only good things from his squad of undercalssman. 

“We should be improved, this is my 3rd year here and we are going to be really young and probably play five sophomores and two freshman a lot,” coach Papasedero said. “We have four seniors as well on the team and they are good players, good contributors and we are just excited.” 

Along with the abundance of youth is the vast pool of 10 pitchers Papasedero will be able to draw from at any given time. 

“We got a new pitching coach in Brandon Boyd, but he have 10 arms we can use. We haven’t been on the field yet so is hard to tell - in terms of rotation - but Jack Austin, Ethan Morris, Sam Austin, Kenny Reeves and Connor Wilson all look good.” 

As far as seniors to watch for this season, all around athlete Zach Phelps fits the bill. 

“He is a really exceptional baseball player and he will be a leader on this team,” coach Papasedero said. “Sophomores Sam Austin and Quinn Stamps will also be big contributors as well.” 

The Goats baseball team will throw out their first pitch of the season this Saturday, March 18 against Kittitas in a double header. First game is at 11 a.m. with the second game following  at 1 p.m. 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or (509) 682-2213