As the winter temperatures continue to hinder outdoor activity, baseball teams around the state are indoors hitting and pitching.
Newcastle High School and head coach Jarod King are back at work ready to continue building on the success of last season. As a team the Racers went 32-10, were Regional champions and Super Regional champions. Coach King has several players from that team back for another season.
“We have eight returning starters from 2024 state tournament team,” said King.
Jackson Schanuel (6-4, Sr.) is a leader on and off the field for Newcastle. Schanuel hits with power and for average. Last season he hit .502 and 10 homeruns while playing 1st base and pitching. Schanuel has committed to play next year at Hutchinson College.
Another senior ready to make an impact is Taj Smith (5-11, Sr.). Smith hit .355 with eight homeruns. His play will be crucial again this season as a DH and 1st baseman. Dax King (Fr.) is a young player with tremendous potential. King hits lefty and throws righty, has power at the plate and plays in the outfield.
Lane Seaton (5-11, Jr.) is an infielder and pitcher who hit .410 with eight homeruns last year. Add Tyler Frazier (6-0, Jr.) and Kaden Longman (6-0, Jr.) to the lineup and you have a great foundation for a great season. Both Frazier and Longman hit over .400 last season.
Ryder Gibson (5-11, Jr.) and Austin Gibson (6-0, Sr.) are two player who will be used in multiple ways. Both players can pitch, and Ryder will see time at catcher. Also look for Sheamus McLaughlin and Conner Leader this season. Both players are hard workers and are willing to do whatever it takes to help the team find success on the field.
