There are many reasons the Bethel faithful are excited to get the baseball season started. Head coach Gary Bandy has a solid nucleus of players coming back despite very few of them being starters. With a few fresh faces who are expected to help this team win games.
“Bethel will return very few starters from last year’s team. However, current members of the program are hungry to continue the success established in the last few years. There will be many new names that will fill the lineup and pitching rotation,” said coach Bandy.
Paul Villegas (Sr.) looks to lead this team at the plate and in the field. Villegas brings a big stick to the plate and is one of the top infielders in the class, but it’s his pitching that will surprise some opponents.
“Paul is a lead by example player. This young man does everything right all the time. He works harder when no one is watching than any player I have had. He is naturally gifted. Paul will play the MIF, be a starter on the mound and hit in the heart of the order every day,” said coach Bandy.
Another player on the bump to watch this season is Weston Henry (Jr.). A right-handed pitcher and infielder, Henry is a versatile player that coach Bandy feels will help this team in many ways, including from the mound and in the batting order. Look for Henry to hit in the heart of the order like Villegas.
Zack Jennings (Jr.) is another athletic player and multi-sport athlete on the roster for Bethel this season. Jennings plays hard and is slotted to play shortstop this season. Coach Bandy said, “He will hit in the middle of the lineup, and make a serious impact with the bat, but defensively he is special. He makes routine plays look boring.”
The outfield will feature Maddox Davis (So.). Fans may know Davis is the quarterback and free safety for the football team, but on the diamond, Davis is a speedy outfielder and a right-handed pitcher. His work ethic helps set the tone for Bethel.
“He has amazing speed for a young player, and a great swing. He works hard and loves to win. He brings a different level of intensity to the field,” said coach Bandy.
Also look for guys like Cayden Carpenter and Kole Childers to make major contributions this season. Roger Brooks (Sr.) is another outfielder and pitcher Bethel will lean on this season.
The first pitch is set for March 6th at home against the Shawnee Wolves. The schedule includes the tournament in McLoud/Chandler Tournament with road games against Bishop Kelley, Pauls Valley, North Rock Creek, Henryetta, Tecumseh, Chandler, and Stuart.
