The annual task of replacing departed players on the roster is not as daunting for the 2023 Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn baseball team. “We have six returning starters this season and eight returning letter winners,” noted Hawk head coach Jeremy Gloden, who is being assisted by Dawson Schiphoff.
The returning starters are junior catcher Jacob Cates, senior infielders Tanner Tesch and Tyson Tessum, junior infielder Bradley Van Beek and senior outfielders Ethan Diehm and Trenton Vollink. HMS features two more returning letterwinners in Evan Eilers and Jack Mastbergen.
“With six returning starters, there have only been a few positions to fill this spring,” said Gloden. “Jacob Cates returns behind the plate this year. He has a great command and really limits the opponents running game. Jack Mastbergen will be joining Ethan Diehm and Trenton Vollink in the outfield. Aiden Bush (a sophomore) will help add some depth.  Bradley Van Beek and Evan Eilers have both been taking time at first and third base. Either one can play at each position. Will kind of depend on who is pitching. Tanner Tesch really solidified himself at third base last year and will be spending time there again this year. We will also need him to play some shortstop when Tyson Tessum is pitching. The only question mark that we are still working on is who will be playing second base. This has been an ongoing battle between a couple of guys and might be a continuing battle throughout the season.”
Rounding out the 21-man roster for the Hawks are junior Austin Smith, sophomores Damion Hansen, Blake Meendering, Jonah Moore, Dominic Tripp and Ben Waddell and freshmen Alex Billings, Jackson Brower, Josh Cruz, Jafet Ortiz, Lawton Schiphoff and Ricky Smith.
The collision of the various seasons and activities has provided the usual challenges when it comes to preparing a baseball team. “Trying to coordinate different schedules, sports, and events is always a struggle in early May,” admitted the HMS head man. “Outside of that, I have been very pleased with the attitudes and how hard guys are working. We have been moving a few guys around and trying to look at different position combinations.”
A lot of the hard work has been devoted to two facets of the game. “The two things we have been emphasizing the most so far has been defense and being more consistent on the mound,” revealed Gloden. “When looking at the stats from last year, errors and free base runners (walks and hit batters) really hurt us. We have been really focusing on trying to cut these numbers down significantly. If we can do that, I feel like we will give ourselves a better chance.”
The baseball season commenced earlier this year, with the opening game having been played on May 15. Gloden said allowances were made due to the early start. “This year the state did allow teams five full voluntary practices to work on all aspects of the game such as fielding, base-running, and situational awareness. I really liked this move because we needed something extra in order to offset the earlier competition start in May. We had a lot of guys put a lot of time in this off-season and it has shown so far.” In regard to any effect the early start may have, the coach remarked, “The only real effect I have noticed is it forces you to be more concise with practice plans and to make sure you hit the ground running right away.”
In the lead-up to the season opener, the coach witnessed some good things on the field. “So far I have been very pleased with what I have seen from our defense,” offered Gloden. “I have already seen improvement from the guys and I hope to see this continue into the season. I also feel like the top half of our batting order will be really strong with the returning upperclassmen that we have. I have seen some good things from the new guys in our lineup, and I’m looking to see them add some depth to our batting order. I also like the team speed that we have. I will be looking to utilize that more this season when the situation calls for it.”
As noted earlier, much of the Hawks’ preparation has involved the players who will toe the rubber. “Our pitching has been a point of emphasis this offseason,” reiterated Gloden. “We have to replace 55 innings from a year ago. Jacob Cates is our top innings guy returning. We will look to him as our top guy this season on the mound. Tyson Tessum, Tanner Tesch, and Evan Eilers will all be looked at to take bigger roles on the mound this season. After that, it might be by committee to see who can step up and help throw strikes for us.”
When asked about the top teams in the War Eagle Conference, Gloden responded, “I would put Remsen St. Mary’s down as the favorite. They are returning eight players from a team that was the runner up in 1A last year. Le Mars Gehlen and Akron-Westfield also return most of their players from last year and should be up towards the top as well. Top to bottom, I expect every night in the War Eagle to be a battle and we will have to come ready to play.”
Standing in the WEC finds its way into the goals the Hawks have for this season. “We would like to increase our win total from last year,” said the HMS coach. “We would also like to continue to try and work our way up in the War Eagle. That has been a goal every year since I have been at HMS.”
Gloden’s chief goal, however, does not necessarily require victories on the scoreboard in order to be achieved. “I told the team my main goal for this season is to see us compete night in and night out,” said the coach. “No matter who we are playing, or what the score is, I want us to go out and compete, give everything we have and let the chips fall where they may. If we can do that, I think we will see positive results.”