Baker baseball team looks to improve on last year

Last year’s team finished 15-11, advancing to the Class 4A playoff second round before losing 6-5 to Astoria.

All six Astoria runs were unearned.

“That game left a sour taste in our mouths,” said Baker coach Dan Blankenship.

“We were young last year, but the seniors we had were great leaders for us,” Blankenship said.

First-team infielders Jordan Harlow and Derek Blankenship return to anchor the center of the infield.

“Jordan will play in the middle infield and pitch for us,” Blankenship said. “We expect quite a lot from him on the mound this season.

“Derek will play shortstop and pitch. We’re looking at him as our possible closer,” his father said.

Cole Brown, a second-team outfielder a year ago, returns with a wider role.

“Cole will pitch and serve in a utility role,” Blankenship said. “He can play almost any position on the field. He’s athletic enough to do it.”

Trace Richardson, an honorable mention GOL pick, returns in center field for the Bulldogs.

“Trace will anchor our outfield in center,” Blankenship said.

Senior outfielders Jon Woolard and Alex Clark, and junior Dekker Smith also return. Smith, who missed last year with knee surgery, will pitch and play first base.

“It’s nice to get Dekker back on the field,” Blankenship said.

Newcomers are juniors Brandon Dolby and Matt Gorrell, and sophomore Ty Everson. Dolby will play the outfield, Gorrell pitcher, catcher and third, and Everson middle infield and pitch.

Sophomore Coleman Lay also is in the picture at third base and as a backup catcher. Blankenship said three or four other sophomores are being looked at for varsity spots.

“We’ll take a look at them and see how they fit in,” he said.

“We still have a bitter taste from the Astoria game. But the boys have worked well this spring. We as coaches have really pushed them and they’ve accepted it well,” Blankenship said.

“These kids really enjoy baseball. They like each other and have bonded really well as a team.”

Blankenship said the Bulldogs have a “huge number of sophomores” out this season, including Trenton Dixon from Powder Valley. Those players will anchor the JV team, and add depth for the varsity.

Baker opens its season Saturday with a home doubleheader against North Marion. The Bulldogs then host Scappoose in a single game Monday.

“It’s nice to get North Marion and Scappoose to come over here to play,” Blankenship said. “We hope to continue to build on that each year.”

As far as the Greater Oregon League, Blankenship sees no favorite.

“It should be a very competitive league,” he said. “Ontario and La Grande will both be very competitive, and Mac-Hi will be better too.”