The Bay Yellowjackets made a postseason run into the regional tournament finishing 6-12 last season. Coach Michael Willard is hoping his team can ride that momentum into this season. Kaden Hartley returns at shortstop and at the top of the rotation for the Yellowjackets’ pitching rotation. Will Cossey also returns a lot of pitching experience and will be a utility player when not on the mound. Both pitchers display very good control and fill up the strike zone. Jaden Dacus will return to do most of the catching, but also add depth to the bullpen. Jacob Willard could also pitch some and will play third base most games. Cade Spencer will be the everyday second baseman and eat up some innings on the mound as well. Some new faces will have to step up big for Bay this season. Sophomores Michael Walters and Jace Stocks will need to fill roles for the Jackets. Walters looks to play first base, and Stocks will roam the outfield. Freshman Kodi Oxford could also contribute in the outfield. Coach Willard recognizes what his team must do to get back to the regional tournament.“ Our strengths should be our defensive capabilities,” he said.“ Our keys to success will be our ability to get on base and our pitching. An area of concern will be our hitting.” If the Bay Yellowjackets can generate some offense, they will be able to compete for a regional spot out of the 2A-3.
Coach Derrick Stroh and the Bay Lady Yellowjackets are looking to continue to improve on last season’ s record and surprise some people in the 2A-3 conference. That begins with a core group that are bringing leadership and experience back to the diamond. Anna Rolland returns to the circle to handle most of the pitching for the Lady Yellowjackets. McKenzie Walsh is a strong defender that is one of the vocal leaders for the Lady Jackets. Madison Lawrence is a versatile player that can play anywhere on the field, while Lattie Larkin is a solid all-around player as well. Some new faces should help contribute for Bay this season. Malorie Craig looks to make an impact on the infield, while Jayden Mattix and Jaeda Cobbs will be utility players, filling in where they are needed. Coach Stroh knows what it will take to improve and make a run at the regional tournament.“ Our success will depend on our ability to hit with runners in scoring position,” he said.“ We are a very young team and will have to put the ball in play to succeed.” Look for the Bay Lady Yellowjackets to use a younger talented group to show some improvement and battle for one of the last regional spots this spring.