When the Mount St. Mary baseball team takes the field for their first road game against Washington High School, head coach Kevin Winterrowd will field a group of guys hungry to build on the success of last season.
“We have a number of kids back from a team that made it to the 3A state semifinals. We need to fill in a few positions and pieces on the mound and we have a chance to be good. We also went back up to 4A so that will be a challenge as well,” said coach Winterrowd.
Will Grayson (6-3, 180) enters his junior season as one of the top hitters in the class. Grayson’s pitching has come around and according to coach Winterrowd, the junior is expected to contribute to the rotation this season.
“Will led our team in hitting last year and pitched two very good playoff games including the state semifinals. He was hurt on mound early in the year, so he only got to start games late in year. Will, will be one of our top pitchers and hitters this year.”
Harry Tesio (6-2, 190) was named All-District last season at catcher. Tesio also plays quarterback for the football team and carries a 4.2 GPA. Tesio is an athletic catcher and solid hitter.
Parker Hays (6-6, 180) will pitch in the rotation, giving the team an effective lefty on the mound. Now in his junior season, Hays is looking to make everyone take notice this season.
Other players to watch include Wade Webb (5-11, 160, So.), an outfielder with tremendous speed and a big stick. Coach Winterrowd said of Webb, “Wade played centerfield for us last year at end of year and was outstanding. He hit over .300 as a freshman and we expect much more from him this year.”
Jackson Miller (6-4, 195) is a right-handed pitcher and first baseman. Miller has battled through some injuries but appears to be ready to get back on the mound for a full season.
“He will be one of our top returning arms this year and excited to see what he will do over course of a full year on mound,” said Winterrowd.
Also look for Michael Lynch (6-1, 158, Sr.) who is a leader for the team on and off the field.
“Michael leads our team bible study every Friday morning and is one of best kids I have ever coached,” said Winterrowd.
The Rockets are headed to Arizona for their spring break tournament before playing in the Private School Tournament in Heritage Hall and the Newcastle Festival. The last regular season game is scheduled for April 28th at Bishop McGuinness.
