By: Brandy Bidlack, sports information assistant
February 3, 2009
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BLUFFTON, Ohio - With the 2008 season of rebuilding and healing behind the baseball team, Coach James Grandey moves into his sixth season as head coach at Bluffton. Grandey looks at his eight seniors with pride, stating that, “They are a good group of players who are full of experience and leadership,” tools that will help the Beavers in their push for a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament berth. With the memories of the March 2, 2007 bus accident imprinted on the Bluffton University baseball team, the players and coaches are excited to get back on the field, fully energized and focused for the challenges they will face in the 2009 season. The team is looking to be competitive in the HCAC this season by improving everyday, working on individual skills as well as forming a cohesive group that is focused on being a successful team. Grandey explained, “The 2009 baseball team is different from previous seasons. The players have better relationships with each other, creating a more unified squad. We are all focused on our goals and are working hard to achieve them.” |
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The infield will be strong this year with three seniors, including three-year starter Corey Conn (London) who is a quiet leader for the team, has excellent power and is also very versatile. He is joined by former starting catcher Curtis Schroeder (Shelby) who has moved to first base this year. Schroeder has been very committed to pre-season workouts and he has taken seriously his role as a team leader. Making his much anticipated return to the infield is senior Kyle King (Dover) who has not been on the field the last two years due to injuries sustained in the 2007 bus accident. |
| Junior David Riddle (Loveland/Milford) and transfers Stephen Torres (Lima/Juan Diego) and Eric Penz (Troy, Mich./Athens), who were all solid receivers during this fall, are competing for playing time behind the plate. The outfield is also experienced with three seniors manning the grass, including one of the Beavers’ best hitters and all around players, Chris Bauman (Milford), in left field. A healthy and talented Mike Ramthun (Springfield/Southeastern) will show off his cannon in right field while Allen Slabaugh (Dalton) covers ground in center. |  |
| The Beavers return experience at the top of the rotation this season, including senior James Hausman (Milford) who had a breakout campaign in 2008 (3.30 ERA in 43.2 innings). Cody McPherson (Milbury/Lake) and Matt Perkins (Convoy/Crestview) give Bluffton a solid nucleus of starters that the Beavers can trot out to the mound during HCAC action on the weekends. |
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In addition to having a tremendous amount of talent and experience back this year, Grandey has brought in a talented freshman class that may see playing time early in the season. Left handed pitcher Ryan Leugers (Botkins) is a solid freshman that may vie for the fourth or fifth starting pitching slot. Both Leugers and Tyler Stephenson (Springfield/Northwestern) were area Players of their Year during their senior campaigns. Stephenson, a third baseman and pitcher, and outfielder Nick Broyles (Toledo/Whitmer), may compete for playing time right away. These freshmen are, “Pretty level headed and they don’t let things get to them. They just play the game,” Grandey remarked. |
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In the preseason, the Beavers are focusing on building their confidence and preparing physically and mentally for the season. Coach Grandey stated, “We are focusing on doing the little things right day in and day out. We know that we can be successful if we do that consistently.” The Beavers are readying themselves for their annual trip to Florida during Spring Break, the first week of March. On the first day of March, the Beavers will face Goshen in Sarasota, Fla., at 12:30 p.m. for their first contest of the 2009 season. The baseball team will play six games in the Snowbird Classic after a doubleheader against Eastern Mennonite University on March 2. |
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Once the Beavers return from Florida, they travel to Chillicothe to face Grandey’s alma mater, Muskingum College, on March 11. Bluffton will host its first home game of the 2009 season on Saturday, March 14th, when the Beavers welcome first-year program Davenport for a twin-bill at Memorial Field. With the mixture of young talent, skillful experience and seasoned leadership, Coach Grandey is excited to begin the 2009 season. -BEAVERS- |
