Beachwood is geared up for another run at the district tournament this spring as the Bison return seven starters from the squad that finished 15-11 last season.
With five talented seniors leading the way, the expectations at Beachwood are sky-high entering the 2023 season.
“We have a very solid core coming back, led by our five seniors,” said Beachwood coach Benjamin Shepherd. “Our expectations every year are to win our league and compete for the state championship.”
Beachwood’s seniors include Luke Bennett, Vince Crenshaw, Brett Zawatsky, Drew Keilin, and Mar’Quis Pinkney.
The Bison also have talented juniors in Sam Greico and Leo Blond, and two sophomores who started as freshmen in Jaycob Zabell and Josh Rosenblitt.
Crenshaw was a first-team All-Chagrin Valley Conference selection after knocking in 17 runs with a .955 fielding percentage.
Zawatsky and Rosenblitt both were named second team as pitchers. Zawatsky finished 6-1 with a 1.60 earned run average while Rosenblitt was 5-2 with a 1.90 ERA and 69 strikeouts.
Bennett earned honorable mention honors after recording a .358 batting average with 20 stolen bases, 18 RBI, and 10 doubles.
The Bison added two talented freshmen to the mix in pitcher/infielder Ethan Malek and outfielder/catcher Henry Strean.
Shepherd will rely on his team’s strengths to set the tone for the season.
The Bison have an outstanding pitching staff to go along with their team speed and air-tight defense.
“If we pitch well, play good defense, out-hustle the other team, and execute the small things, we believe that will put us in a position for success,” Shepherd said.
