“So far we’ve had 60 kids out,” Cole said. “That’s a little lower than we’d like to see. On the positive side we have a lot of new people out.

“As far as what to expect I don’t have a clue,” Cole said. “Having so many new athletes out we want to focus on fundamentals, enjoy practices and meets.

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.

The defending Greater Oregon League-champion Baker girls softball team opened defense of its title today with a non-league game against Weiser, Idaho.

GOL coach of the year Al McCauley returns a half-dozen players from last season’s champions, including GOL player of the year senior Tara Talbott.

Talbott was a first team all-GOL infielder last season. She is joined by returning second-teamers Andrea Wilson at second base and Savannah Daly in center field.

Baker returns four members of the district champion girls golf team from a year ago, and five members of the third-place boys team.

Baker coach Scott Warner sees some possible good things come post season this year too.

“The girls setup has completely changed. The league now is all in one pool. All Eastern Oregon teams are in the same pool,” he said.

Baker High School rode team will consist of 11 athletes this spring.

The team lists just one senior: Nicole Markgraf who will compete in goat tying and breakaway roping.

“The bottom line is we’re going to be real challenged to compete,” said George Keister, Baker’s head coach.

Keister takes over the helm from Adrienne Bachman, who stepped down after last year. Joel Cummings, a former Bulldog doubles player, will be Keister’s assistant coach this season.