It will take a lot to rattle the experienced Hazen baseball team this season.
“There’s a lot to be said for the maturity and the extra experience,” said Hazen coach Gary Jacobs. “They’re more steady… They don’t get too high or too low.”
Led by seven seniors, the group is not only experienced, but versatile.
“That’s probably one of the best things we’ve got going is depth,” Jacobs said. “We’re a little more utilitarian, and that gives us some options in the lineup.”
John Wall and Brenden Campbell give Hazen experience in the infield. Wall will play second base. He earned a second team all-league mention last year.
Campbell plays third base and shortstop. He was an all-league honorable mention last year.
Anthony Pina, who made honorable mention all-league last season, will lead the outfield group. Nick Sharp, Kyle Thomas and Chadd Garton will round out the outfield, giving the team depth.
Sharp, Thomas and Garton will all pitch as well as play in the field.
Zach Kolterman, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, can play first and third and will add power to the lineup.
Jacobs said overall the Highlanders won’t be a powerful team, they will be a scrappy one.
“We’re not going up there and hitting home run after home run,” he said. “We’re willing to use whatever tactics and strategies are necessary.”
One key newcomer will be junior Patrick Ward. Jacobs expects him to pitch quite a bit a keep teams off balance with his variety of arm slots.
“He’s not the biggest, fastest or strongest guy out there,” Jacobs said. “He’s a fun one to watch, he keeps teams off balance. He’s one of those spark plug guys that is so happy to be there. He works hard and picks up other guys.”
Jimmy Schmidt is a sophomore pitcher who saw action as a freshman last season. Jacobs is excited about Schmidt’s potential and what he can bring to the team as soon as this season.
“This is a team that’s comfortable with their strengths and limitations,” Jacobs said. “They understand they have the potential to perform well as a team and understand they haven’t reached their capabilities yet.”
Hazen started the season 5-1 overall and 4-0 in league play.
