Coach: Aaron Curfman (1st Year with Bellingham)
Home Field: Joe Martin Field
Last Season: 3-16 (3-10 Conference)
Key Losses: SS/P Nick Knutson (.450 AVG, 18 RBI, 7 2B, .515 OBP, 27 IP, 23 K’s), 1B/P Ethan Berschauer (.300 AVG, .382 OBP, 13 RBI, 5 2B, 43 IP, 5.41 ERA), P/3B Ethan Paxton (.414 AVG, .452 OBP, 5 RBI, 38 IP, 34 K’s, 4.39 ERA).
Top Returnees: 2B/SS Kyle Payne, OF/P Nathan Pursley, C/P Nick Posey, C/IF Shane Davis, IF/P Everett Simpson.
Pitchers and Catchers: The Red Raiders lost more pitching than perhaps any other team from last season. At this point, first-year head coach Aaron Curfman has stated that he needs guys to learn how to pitch, and they will try to find creative ways to win games. Strong candidates to toe the rubber this spring for Bellingham are seniors Nathan Pursley and Nick Posey, along with sophomore Everett Simpson. Pursley and Posey each threw a handful of innings last season, and Simpson pitched well in JV games last season. Posey (.250 AVG, 10 RBI’s) has strong gap power, as he hit a pair of doubles and a pair of triples last season, and he will start the season behind the plate. Senior Shane Davis is also very solid behind the plate.
Infield: Senior Kyle Payne had a monstrous season in 2018, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t happen again. He has all the tools in the field, is an explosive base runner and he also has lightning-quick bat speed. Last season he led Whatcom County with a .571 batting average. He also scored 25 runs, stole 13 bases and walked 18 times to only five strike outs. He also hit five doubles, one triple and one home run. His leadership will help the young Red Raiders immensely. He will anchor the infield at shortstop. Simpson has the makings to be an exciting player. He has a high baseball IQ, and will be a very good second baseman. Junior Cody Tolle and sophomore Manny DePalma have shown flashes at practice, and Davis will also help in the infield.
Outfield: Pursley (.344 OBP, 10 runs, 7 RBI, 6 SB) covers a lot of ground in center field, and he will be another great weapon offensively. He hits for both average and power, and he has plus speed. Coach Curfman is looking to surround him with similar players, but he may have to go with some youngsters, or whoever is swinging a hot bat at the time.
Final Analysis: The biggest problem facing the Red Raiders are the overall numbers. Facing tough odds to fill out two teams, this could be a rough season for the red and white. Payne could be the best player in the league, but baseball is the epitome of a team sport. Pursley and Posey are progressing greatly, and Bellingham should get some wins, but it won’t be easy.
Tyler’s Predicted Lineup:
- Kyle Payne
- Everett Simpson
- Nathan Pursley
- Nick Posey
- Shane Davis
- Manny DePalma
- Cody Tolle
- David Seholm
- Riley Anderson
