Beachwood opens the 2025 season with eight returning starters and several others with varsity experience in the lineup.
The Bison, who finished 8-15 overall and 4-6 in the Chagrin Valley Conference, are optimistic they’ll show improvement this spring.
“Our coaching staff is excited at the opportunities that lay ahead of this team,” said Beachwood coach Matt Lamovec. “We have eight starters returning from last season. We also have a few upperclassmen who are joining the varsity squad this season along with a handful of underclassmen who are fighting for the remaining spots in the lineup. These guys have been working hard every day, which gives us optimism for the upcoming season.”
Beachwood’s experience will play a key role in the team’s success this season.
“From the coaches’ perspective, the maturity of our returning starters will help them step up as leaders this year,” Lamovec said. “Our expectation is for players to compete on every pitch, regardless of the situation. Maintaining this mentality will put us in a position to be competitive in every game. If we can get some wins early in the season, it will provide momentum for the start of conference games and hopefully carry on through a playoff run.”
Last spring, Beachwood struggled to push runs across the plate in the clutch. That’s something the Bison have focused on in the offseason, and Lamovec expects more production this spring.
“This year, we are focusing on approach at the plate and situational hitting to improve on our production from last year,” he said.
The Bison will lean on a deep and talented pitching staff.
Seniors Josh Rosenblitt, Jaycob Zabell, and Jacob Thomas, juniors Ethan Malek, Gavi Lappen, and Lucius Venditti, sophomore Caleb White, and freshman Eli Ward will all see time on the mound for the Bison.
“Pitching is definitely our biggest strength,” Lamovec said. “We have a couple of aces that will take on a large bulk of the innings in Rosenblitt and Malek. We also have juniors Lappen and Venditti, and seniors Zabell and Thomas who have experience on the bump at the varsity level. They all have great stuff on the mound but what really sets them apart is their understanding of how to sequence their pitches effectively to produce outs.”
Rosenblitt, an Oakland University commitment, was a second-team All-Ohioan and conference MVP last spring. He’ll play first base or DH when he isn’t on the hill.
“Josh is poised to have another great year,” Lamovec said. “He has been working all offseason to refine his pitch arsenal and continues to evolve as a student of the game. He has proven his ability to step up in big games, and we will look for him to be the leader in those moments. We also expect big things from him on the offensive end, as he will be slotted in the heart of the lineup this year.”
Malek earned second-team All-CVC honors last season. He’ll play first base when he isn’t pitching.
“Ethan has continued to show growth in all aspects of his game,” Lamovec said. “He has added velocity on the mound and has shown the ability to command his pitch mix at a high level. We also expect him to drive in a lot of runs this season, hitting in the three-spot of the lineup. The experience gained from last season should help propel him to the next level this spring.”
Zabell earned second-team All-CVC honors last spring and will play shortstop when he isn’t pitching.
“Jaycob is one of our most versatile players,” Lamovec said. “Offensively, he will be one of the main table-setters at the top of the lineup. Defensively, we will rely on his versatility to play both infield and outfield, as well as being a big part of the pitching rotation.”
Thomas was an honorable mention All-CVC outfielder last spring. He’ll play center field and pitch.
“Jacob will most likely be stepping into the leadoff spot this year,” Lamovec said. “He had a solid season last year, putting the bat on the ball consistently. We will look for him to be the spark plug at the top of the lineup this season.”
Lappen will play third when he isn’t pitching.
“Gavi Lappen is looking to build off a solid first year starting at third base,” Lamovec said. “He is going to play a major role this year, stepping into the third spot in the pitching rotation while hopefully helping this team to increase its run production from last season.”
White will play left field when he isn’t on the mound.
“Caleb White is looking to have a breakout spring season,” Lamovec said. “He has put in a lot of work over the offseason and has made a lot of progress both at the plate and in the field. He has also made some adjustments to his pitching mechanics, which will hopefully allow him to take on a bigger role in the rotation this year.”
Junior Henry Strean will catch, sophomore Jonah Greller will play second, and junior Tristan Brown is slotted in right field.
“Tristan Brown is in line to take on a more consistent role in the lineup this year,” Lamovec said. “His bat in the lineup will have a big impact on our ability to produce runs this season.”
Beachwood’s recipe for success this spring is simple.
“In order to be successful this season, we need to focus on having a team-first mentality,” Lamovec said. “We have a group of players with different skill sets that complement each other well when everyone is on the same page and working together. We need to continue building team chemistry each and every day.”
