Coach: Cory White (27th Year with Lynden)
Home Field: Lynden High School
Last Season: 18-6 (11-2 Conference)
Key Losses: SS Brendan Kleindel (.315 AVG, .451 OBP, 6 2B, 33 R, 10 RBI, 22 SB), OF Jack Doolittle (.390 AVG, .556 OBP, 23 R, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 19 RBI), C Carter Parcher (.333 AVG, .494 OBP, 17 R, 5 2B, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 10 SB), 1B/P Preston King (270 AVG, .432 OBP, 14 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 16 RBI, 6 W, 53 IP, 39 K’s, 1.32 ERA), OF/P James Marsh (.328 AVG, .494 OBP, 27 R, 5 2B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 10 SB, 2 W, 18 IP, 11 K’s, 0.78 ERA), 3B/P Devin Holmstrom (.262 AVG, .416 OBP, 13 R, 3 2B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 2 W, 22 IP, 16 K’s, 3.14 ERA), 2B Ben Libolt (.233 AVG, .385 OBP, 23 R, 3 2B, 12 RBI, 8 SB) .
Top Returnees: CF Connor White, 3B Cade Slayton, C Carter Van Diest, SS/P Bodie Human, OF/P Tanner Hope.
Pitchers and Catchers: The Lions return senior Tanner Hope (5 W, 34 IP, 19 K’s, 1.65 ERA) to the mound in 2020, and he’s the only known commodity at the varsity level. Coach White will trot many other arms out there to see who fits, and who he can rely on in the postseason. Junior Carter Van Diest has sat behind Carter Parcher the past two seasons, and has soaked in the knowledge. Now will be his chance to show what he has at the catcher position.
Infield: The entire infield from last season’s team has graduated. However, as Lynden usually does, they have a new crop of players that can more than fit the bill. Sophomore Cade Slayton (.364 OBP, 8 RBI, 7 R) got a decent amount of playing time last year on the corners, and should be a pillar in the Lion infield for these next three seasons. He has a lively bat from the left side, and his potential is something that scouts will take note of immediately. Senior Bodie Human (.300 OBP) got some playing time in the outfield, but should move into the shortstop position this season. Sophomore Case Zweegman is an impressive player that really struck the ball well over the summer, and he should take over at first base.
Outfield: Junior Connor White (.288 AVG, .447 OBP, 15 R, 12 RBI) returns after starting all season in center field in 2019. He’s an aggressive player with tremendous instincts, and I feel like this season will be a huge jump for him. The other outfield spots are up for grabs, but you can expect to see Hope out there when he’s not pitching. Sophomore Taivin Van Dalen and junior Aaron Blakeway are impressive athletes that could also shine in the outfield. Senior Elijah Diacogiannis is new to the team, but brings serious track speed that can be used in the outfield or on the bases.
Final Analysis: Lynden lost a lot due to graduation, but if I’ve learned anything it’s that the Lions never rebuild, they always reload. A fantastic youth system always supplies Lynden with a lot of talent each season. White should be a great catalyst near the top of the lineup, Slayton brings major plate prowess and Hope should be one of the top pitchers in the conference.
Tyler’s Predicted Lineup:
- Connor White
- Bodie Human
- Cade Slayton
- Carter Van Diest
- Tanner Hope
- Case Zweegman
- Taivin Van Dalen
- Aaron Blakeway
- Jake Tucker
