If you were Montezuma Coach Josh Anderson when he took the head baseball job a few years ago, you probably didn’t anticipate hyper-extension of the golf season!
But it has happened. The Braves linksters qualified for state for the first time ever. Five of them play key roles on the baseball team, which was to have opened its season Monday, May 22, against North Mahaska.
But the Braves were golfing that day, and Tuesday, and the baseball team will now wait all the way until . . .Wednesday, May 24 – to open at home against Colfax-Mingo!
“This has been the most challenging season I have ever had,” Anderson said. “It’s both good and bad. The golf team has shown amazing success and I am very proud of all that they have accomplished.”
“It’s always good to have kids out for multiple sports and this is just something that we make the most of.”
“Having said that, Anderson added that, “I am excited that we didn’t have anyone graduate this year!”
“We will look for Owen Cook to lead us again, Anderson said. “He will be our #1 pitcher and we will lean on his right arm and his leadership.”
Cook hit .422 for the Braves last season for a Montezuma ballclub that won just one game. Still, he had a 3.69 earned run average and struck out 82 batters in 49 innings of work.
“I expect big things from Garrett Watts and Colton Benson on the hill as well this year,” Anderson said. “Garrett has really developed into a great baseball player and is as good as anyone covering the outfield.”
“Colton is a veteran and someone who really understands the game,” the coach said. “I hope to see his bat get going early and he will eat up a lot of innings for us on the mound as well.”
“Carsten James and Cruz DeJong will both pitch a little bit and be the battery this year,” Anderson said. “Cruz will catch the majority of the games. He came to us as in infielder and has really worked hard at becoming a catcher. He has gotten better at the plate and we are excited to see what he can do for us this year,” Anderson said.
“Carsten will play all over the infield and will hit in the middle of the order,” said the Coach.
“Last year Broox Stockman and Luke Erselius really played well for the short amount of time we had them. Now that they have seen this show it will take them less time to ease into the game,” said Anderson.
“Luke will pitch some innings for us as well as play the left side of the infield. Broox will play outfield and with his power and speed will really be a threat at the plate.”
Stockman hit .476 last year in 21 at bats. Luke Erselius hit .294 in 17 at bats.
“Breck Simpson has worked hard on his hitting over the winter,” Anderson said. “He will also play first base and outfield this year.
“Briar Simpson and Lars Taylor are competing for an outfield spot as well,” Anderson said.
“Isaac Wedgewood is a big lefty that we hope to see some innings from this year,” said the coach. “He’s young but is learning a ton.”
“Jack Erselius will be at second base and may be playing some outfield as well this year,” Anderson said. “He has worked hard in the off season and I am excited for him this year.” Jack hit .235 last season.
Regarding conference play, Anderson said, “Lynnville-Sully will run the show this year. They have a great pitching staff and can hit 1-9 in their lineup.”
But Anderson added, “I think there will be some great battles in the SICL this year.”
“Our goal is to focus on us and play one game at a time. If we can hit the ball consistently and not give extra outs I think we have a shot to compete in that upper half of the conference.”
“I love coaching and the game of baseball. It has been great seeing these kids grow. We have a fun bunch of kids out and it makes coaching a lot of fun,” said the coach.
“I am excited to have Kyle Cook coach with me again this year. He knows the game of baseball better than anyone and has great rapport with the kids. He has high expectations for them,” Anderson said, “and is great to be around.”