After going 6-9 a year ago and graduating just one senior in Bryan Jones’ first season at the helm of McAuley baseball, the Warriors return nearly every starter from last year’s team with the intent to use that experience and take the next step in 2023.
“The 2023 season has high expectations for the team,” Jones said to SoMo Sports. “Last year was a new philosophy and growing year with tremendous success. The players worked hard and improved every day and saw their success play out. We expect to continue our success and make a run at the 2023 conference and district titles.”
In total, McAuley returns 10 players who either started or lettered at the varsity level a year ago, and that group is highlighted by the six seniors—P/3B Kable Reichardt (first-team all-district; second-team all-conference), C Jack Jones (second-team all-district), OF Noah Black, OF Kendall Jones, INF Joe Staton (first-team all-conference) and P Trey Martinez.
Also returning for the Warriors are junior P/INF Rocco Bazzano-Joseph (second-team all-conference and district), junior OF/C Bradley Wagoner (second-team all-district), junior 1B/P Chase Gardner, sophomore OF/P Michael Parrigon (first-team all-conference and district) and sophomore 3B/P Tripp Miller.
“The Warriors will be returning a close-knit team that has gained experience and had success on the field with seven players winning postseason, conference and district awards,” McAuley coach Bryan Jones said. “And, six of those players return to the team for the 2023 season.”
Reichardt and Bazzano-Joseph will anchor the rotation this season. Reichardt led the team in wins with three and finished with a 3.75 earned-run average, while Bazzano-Joseph finished with two wins and a 3.09 ERA. Gardner, Wagner, Parrigon, Miller and sophomore Brek Sickman will also see time on the bump.
Bazzano-Joseph hit .341 at the plate while leading the Warriors with 11 RBI and stole five bases. Parrigon brings back a .345 average as well as four RBI and nine stolen bases. Staton batted .336 and had four RBI and 10 stolen bases. Jack Jones hit .321 with four doubles, five RBI and six stolen bases, while Kendall Jones hit .312 and had five RBI and six stolen bases. Reichardt batted .297 with six RBO and seven stolen bases, while Wagoner hit .293 with four RBI and five stolen bases.
McAuley opens the season at home with a matchup against Cassville on Friday.
