Bremen ballplayers ready to take the field
BREMEN — The long wait is almost over for the Bremen High School baseball team.
After seeing its season called last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lions will take the field for the first time in almost two years with a visit to Central Noble on Tuesday.
“After taking a year off from COVID there are a lot of unknowns, both internally and with other schools,” said head coach Chad Gerard. “We are going to try to stick to what we do best and give ourselves chances to win games. We are hoping for a successful year.”
That will start with those players who have experience. Returning letterwinners include seniors Logan Hite (P), Blake Dingus (OF)
and Jacob Hazen (1B/C), along with juniors Micah Burkholder (SS), Marty Manges (C) and Cale Brown (P/1B). Newcomers to watch for are speedy senior Phoenix Martin (IF), plus juniors Ashton Shively (OF) and Shay Kyser (OF).
After its opener, Bremen will have almost two weeks before its next two games - both on the road - followed by its home opener with Northern Indiana Conference heavyweight Mishawaka Marian April 14.
“The NIC will be very tough, as it always is,” continued Gerard. “The NIC is one of the best baseball conferences in the state every year. If we stick to our game plan we expect to be competitive.”
Elkhart’s team is now a combination of Memorial and Central, most likely forming another strong conference adversary. Bremen travels to face this new NIC team - also called the Lions - on May 12.
The Lions’ schedule includes a four-game, seven-day homestand in April and a solid week on the big yellow bus for four straight road games in May.
Bremen will play in the Class 2A Westview Sectional along with Central Noble, Laville, Prairie Heights, newcomer Fairfield and the host Warriors.
“The sectional will be very competitive as it normally is,” Gerard added. “Anyone can win it this year.”
The rest of the coaching staff includes assistants Jim Morris (hitting coach/bench coach), Zach Debaets (first base coach), and Aaron Perch (JV head coach).