Last summer was a breakout year of sorts for the Monezuma Braves, who put together a winning 13-7 record.
“As always, I am excited to coach this year,” said Coach Josh Anderson.
“This year we only have 10 kids out, but they are kids that want to learn and get better at baseball. This means lots of playing time and learning new positions,” the coach.
“Owen Cook will be the leader of our squad this year. This is his team and I am excited for him to have a breakout year,” Anderson said.
“Owen played Perfect Game this fall and spring and has not only gotten better but learned a ton.”
Cook, a junior, went 6-5 on the mound last summer, with a 2.33 earned run average over 57 innings. He walked just 20 and struck out 58 batters.”
“Colton Benson and Garrett Watts are our only other two returning starting pitchers. “I am excited to have their leadership as well. Both have looked great in winter pitching and practice.”
Other pitchers include Carsten James, Cruz De Jong, and Jack Erselius.
“Carsten comes to us from Lynnville-Sully and we are excited to have his bat and strong arm,” the coach said. “Cruz and Jack had injuries last year that shortened their season. They are both back and healthy. Those are two baseball kids that only continue to get better.”
Anderson said Lars Taylor and Briar Simpson will fill spots in the outfield. “They are both sponges and picking up a lot of things quickly,” the coach said.
Anderson said, “Brett Plants and Breck Simpson will be playing multiple positions for us this year as well.”
“Our lineup will constantly be changing before and during games,” the coach said. “There is a ton to learn and we are trying to pack as much in as we can before game number one.”
“With baseball there isn’t a lot of practice time so it’s one of those things where you learn as you go.” Anderson said.
“I am excited to have Kyle Cook coach with me this year,” Montezuma’s head coach said. “I enjoy Kyle not only as a coach but as a person. He does a great job of teaching the game and his intensity is second to none.”
If you’re a fan, don’t wait too long before getting out to see the Braves.
“The state association moved games up a week so we do have a compact schedule,” Anderson said.
At present, the Braves’ regular season schedule includes just 15 playing dates.
UP FIRST – Montezuma was scheduled to open Monday, May 23, at Lynnville-Sully. Game two is Wednesday, May 25 at BGM. The home opener is set for Friday, May 27, against Colfax-Mingo.