Despite snow on the ground earlier this week, baseball season has arrived for the Holbrook Roadrunners.
Coach Brady Pond has a strong veteran group of returning players who officially took the field for the first time on Thursday at the Fountain Hills Tournament. After facing Camp Verde and Fountain Hills on Thursday, Holbrook is slated to match up with Winslow and Bourgade Catholic today (Feb. 27). Saturday’s schedule will depend on results from the first two days.
Holbrook opens regular season play at Show Low on Tuesday, March 3, followed by a game at Joseph City the following day. The Roadrunners’ home opener will be on Saturday, March 7, when they welcome in St. Johns.
The Roadrunners will be hoping to take advantage of a veteran roster to improve on last season’s 7-17-1 record.
Following are Coach Pond’s comments about this year’s varsity roster.
Seniors
Buddy Wagoner, an outfielder and pitcher, is coming back for a third year as a varsity starter. He will be a big contributor in the outfield and at the plate. He is also being asked to assume the closer role on the mound.
Carlos Quintana, an infielder and pitcher, is also a returning varsity starter. After leading the team on the mound in wins, earned run average and strikeouts the past two years, he comes back as a legitimate All-Section candidate. He also led the team in batting average last year.
Lanny Newton-Pender is a returning varsity starter who will be asked to pitch a lot and to catch when he is not pitching. Lanny will be a heart of the order guy who will drive in a lot of runs for us.
Dalton Trujillo has been with the baseball program for all four years of high school, and will compete for playing time in the outfield.
Logan has also been with the baseball program for four years and will compete for playing time in the outfield. He has also been an asset out of the bullpen.
Alec Smith, a utility player, is in his second year with the team and will compete for playing time.
Jordan Smith, an outfielder, is also in his second year with the team and will compete for playing time.
Juniors
Trevor Barton, an infielder and pitcher, has been a varsity starter since his freshman year. He is the ultimate utility player who can play anywhere on the field. He will contribute in every aspect.
Nick Robinson, an infielder and pitcher, has also been a varsity starter since his freshman year. He will be a middle of the order batter who should lead the team in RBIs.
Scottie Gishie, an outfielder, is a returning varsity starter. He is another seasoned junior who will man centerfield every day. He will also be a huge asset on the base paths with his speed and on base abilities.
Michael O’Brien will be asked to fill a couple roles as an infielder. He will compete for playing time.
Brandon Kester, an outfielder, is a first year varsity player after two years on the junior varsity. He will compete for playing time.
Alex Haussman is also a first year varsity player after two years on the jayvee squad. He will be a big bat in the order as either a corner infielder or designated hitter.
Tryston Apodaca, an outfielder, is in his first year with the program.
Sophomores
Cade Maestas, an infielder and pitcher, finished his freshmen season as a varsity starter and will now fill that role on a full time basis. He will be a top of the order guy who will be asked to get on base often. He will also be a strong middle infielder.
Tristan Baldonado, a utility player and pitcher, is a solid sophomore who will compete for playing time and can possibly fill various roles in the field.
