After a challenging 2025 season, Berkshire enters the 2026 campaign with a much different outlook. The Badgers finished 5-15 overall and placed fourth in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division last year, but the experience gained by a young roster could pay dividends this spring.
With seven starters returning — including the entire pitching staff — head coach Craig Barstow believes the foundation is in place for Berkshire to take a significant step forward.
“We’re really excited about this group heading into 2026,” Barstow said. “Returning seven starters gives us a lot of experience and continuity, and having our entire pitching staff back is a huge advantage. Those guys have been through varsity battles, and they understand what it takes to compete in our league.”
Leading the way is senior catcher Patrick Brancel, the reigning two-time CVC Valley Player of the Year. Brancel is one of the most complete players in the conference and will be counted on to anchor the lineup, guide the pitching staff, and provide leadership for a roster that is eager to turn last year’s lessons into wins.
“Anytime you return a back-to-back CVC Valley Player of the Year, that obviously helps,” Barstow said. “But what I’m most encouraged by is the leadership and maturity across the roster. Our upperclassmen have set the tone early in preseason with their work ethic and focus.”
Building on Last Year’s Lessons
While the Badgers showed flashes a year ago, closing games proved difficult for a roster that was still learning the varsity game.
“One of our biggest challenges this spring will be proving that we’ve grown,” Barstow said. “We were 5–15 last year with a young group, and those growing pains were real. But a lot of those guys are now returning starters, and they’ve learned from that experience.
“Another challenge is turning close games into wins. Last year we were competitive in a lot of spots but didn’t always finish. That comes down to maturity, execution, and confidence.”
With more experience across the roster, the expectation is that those close games will start swinging in Berkshire’s favor.
“We’ll overcome those challenges by leaning on the experience we gained and continuing to emphasize the little things,” Barstow said. “Throwing strikes, defending consistently, and playing disciplined team baseball. Our guys are older, stronger, and more confident. Now it’s about putting it all together.”
A Pitching Staff That Sets the Tone
One of Berkshire’s biggest advantages entering the season is the return of its entire pitching staff, a group that gained valuable innings last year.
“For us to be successful this season, it starts on the mound,” Barstow said. “We have an experienced pitching staff returning, and if we consistently throw strikes and control the tempo of the game, that gives us a chance every time we step on the field.”
Senior Sam Barcikoski will once again be a key arm after posting a 2.52 ERA with 52 strikeouts last season.
“He was our horse last year,” Barstow said. “We will look for him to carry us again. He’s a smart kid who will not overpower people but beat you with precision and location.”
Brancel is also expected to return to the mound after missing last season due to arm trouble.
“Patrick pitched at the varsity level his freshman and sophomore year,” Barstow said. “He had some arm trouble last season, which prevented him from pitching. He is looking to get back to the form of his sophomore year when he had a record of 5-1.”
The rotation will also feature sophomore Holden Hedrick, junior Paden Brent, junior Bear Masink, and freshman Chris Brancel, giving Berkshire both depth and versatility on the mound.
Offensive Pieces Returning
Berkshire returns several key offensive contributors, led by Brancel, who hit .449 with four home runs and 21 RBIs last season.
“Patrick is a coach’s dream player,” Barstow said. “He’s been a three-year starter and a back-to-back CVC Valley Player of the Year. He’s a five-tool player who impacts the game in every phase, and he leads by example every day.”
Oliver Miller also returns after batting .268 with six RBIs while earning second-team all-league honors.
“Oliver is a two-year returning starter,” Barstow said. “He played shortstop his freshman year, and half his sophomore year. He found a home in centerfield in the second half of last season. He really blossomed there. You could see how it freed up other parts of his game.”
Masink will move to shortstop after previously playing catcher and third base.
“Bear has played catcher and third base for us in previous years at the varsity level,” Barstow said. “We are challenging him to play shortstop this year. So far, he has handled the challenge well. He is a baseball guy who loves the game.”
The lineup will also include sophomore Evan Pollock at second base, Hedrick at first base, Brent in right field, senior Jackson Miller in left field, and Barcikoski serving as the designated hitter.
A Freshman to Watch
One of the most intriguing additions to the roster is freshman Chris Brancel, who is expected to make an immediate impact both in the field and on the mound.
“Chris is beyond ready for the varsity stage, as he steps on to the field as a freshman,” Barstow said. “Chris announces himself as one of the best players in the conference. He has all five tools you would expect a Brancel from Northeast Ohio to have.”
Expectations in the CVC Valley
With experience across the diamond and a full pitching staff returning, Berkshire enters the season with lofty goals.
“Our expectation is to compete for a league title,” Barstow said. “We are looking to host a playoff game. We return experience across the field and on the mound, and that gives us confidence. Now it’s about doing the little things right every day and earning it.”
If the Badgers can turn last year’s growing pains into consistency on the mound, clean defense, and timely hitting, Berkshire could quickly emerge as one of the teams to watch in the CVC Valley Division this spring.
