Williston State Baseball Preview
Preview the Teton baseball programs roster and expectations.
A month before their first series of the season, Williston State's baseball team is preparing to build on their 19-28 (12-12) season from 2021. With six members of the starting lineup returning, the Tetons will have experience on their side entering spring competition. Williston State is headlined by Brady Miles, who led the Tetons in hitting last season with a .401 average, 18 doubles, and 5 home runs in 47 games.
PITCHERS
The Tetons will have many new faces on the pitching staff this year that totals 17 arms. Williston State will look to improve on the mound with contributions from familiar faces Kobe Fredland, Derek Palmiere, and Zach Carson. Each of which have had success and will look to help lead a young pitching staff.
A few newcomers for the Tetons will be Rylan Penner, Tyler Smith, Brody Forno, and Hunter Houck who will all be asked to take on major roles. Each of them will be asked to start games early in the 2022 campaign.
Other pitchers on staff for the Tetons: Andrew Baum, Connor Perrier, Dan Conway, Jake Engen, Jaxon Meyer, Justen Tehse, Kelsey Collins-Brown, Kenny Muise, Logan Warkentin, and Zach Stark.
INFIELDERS
Only one infield defensive position will be occupied by the same man from the 2021 season. Garrett Flaagan started 47 games at short stop last season. Garrett led the Tetons with 94 assists last season. He will need to rely heavily on his experience as leads the infield group this year.
Others up the middle will be veteran Tanner Boyle who has contributed nicely on the offensive side of the ball hitting .329 in 2021. Veteran Dan Conway will serve as a 2-way utility player.
Newcomers Oscar Hargreaves and Alex Betancourt will be expected to see time at second base and be versatile infielders for the Tetons.
(CORNERS)
First base will be held down by veteran Jordan Kelly and newcomer Josh Tibbs. Kelly, who hit .331 with 11 doubles and 10 home runs will look to improve on a solid 2021 campaign. Each will bring experience and leadership to the ball club.
Third base will primarily be occupied by Kevin Paz who played for the Tetons in the 2020 season but not the 2021 season. He brings consistency and maturity to the team. Mason Wahlberg will also look to compete for playing time at any of his many infield positions.
CATCHERS
Brady Miles returns as the front runner to see time behind the plate for the Tetons. Additions to the 2022 catching core are Zach Stark and Clayton McAllister. All three are expected to contribute behind the dish and at the plate.
OUTFIELD
The Tetons will see a few familiar faces in the outfield this spring. Chris Shopbell, Derek Desario, and Logan Warkentin all saw substantial time for the Tetons last season. There will be a lot of competition in the outfield this spring as many guys have shown their strong capability to see regular time.
Other Outfielders: Ben Hul, Josh Stark, and Jalen Denton.
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Mason Przybilla (3rd season)
Assistant Coach: Cody Hartman (3rd season)
Assistant Coach: Connor Jennings (3rd season)
Assistant Coach/Director of Baseball Operations: Riley Nelson (2nd Season)