HAGERSTOWN, Ind. – The Hagerstown baseball team is looking to continue its run in the Tri-Eastern Conference as the Tigers prepare for the 2016 season.
The Tigers have won a record four straight conference titles as they start the spring with a ranking of No. 6 in the Indiana Baseball Coaches Association pre-season poll.
“We have the same expectations as we do every year,” Hagerstown Head Coach Brad Catey said. “Win conference, county, and then compete for championships in the state tourney.”
Hagerstown was 7-0 in the conference last year with a 12-9 mark overall.
“The kids know if they compete day-in and day-out, we have a chance to reach our goals,” Catey said. “With us moving to Class 1A, it changes the perception from people outside of the program, but for us, we expect to win no matter the class we are in.”
Topping the list of returnees from a year ago is Sam Reagan, who was named the TEC Player of the Year. Reagan, who is headed to Kaskaskia College next year, was 6-1 on the mound for the Tigers with a 1.26 ERA. As a hitter, Reagan knocked in a team-high 21 runs with a .242 batting average.
Also back are All-TEC performers Dylan Woolard, Trey Kelley and Owen Golliher.
Wollard is a three-year starter and he batted .328 last spring with 12 stolen bases.
Kelley went 3-2 as a pitcher for the Tigers with a 3.26 ERA.
Golliher led the team with 22 stolen bases, while batting .438 as he collected 28 hits in 19 contests.
All-TEC Honorable Mention catcher Cam Purtha is also returning along with Cody Wilson, Brandon Purtha and Kory Beeson.
Others expecting to make contributions are Drew Pyle, Mason Hicks, Brett Burns, Clayton Barber, Grant Vinson, Trent Weiss, Derek Davis, Frank Bush and Cody Swimm.
Hagerstown begins the season against Richmond at McBride Stadium on Tuesday, March 29.
The Tigers begin their TEC slate at home against Lincoln on Monday, April 11.
The change to Class 1A has the Tigers competing in the sectional against conference foes Lincoln, Tri, Union City along with Seton, Blue River and Randolph Southern.