The DeMatha baseball program is currently preparing for another great season. On February 19, many DeMatha students will compete for spots on the freshman and junior varsity squads, as the varsity roster is all but set. The majority of students are returning and looking to elevate their game. However, some new faces will take the field trying to make a good first impression and show that they are the future of DeMatha baseball.

Sophomore Andrew Speed is looking to take a step forward in his young career. “For my second year on the baseball team, I want to have a bigger emphasis on situational hitting by moving a guy over instead of swinging for the fences,” Speed said. “I would also want to set some big but also reasonable hitting and fielding goals. ” Andrew was the starting first baseman on the freshman team last season and hopes to make JV this year.

Freshman Max Sulayman has a different perspective on the situation. “My main goal is to make a team; whether that be freshman or [hopefully] JV,” Sulayman said. “Either way, I strive to leave everything on the field and just play ball.” Sulayman will enter tryouts as a catcher with a lot of confidence in his ability, yet with an understanding of what is achievable.

While the younger guys look to further prove themselves, the older guys will strive to win important ball games and be mentors on and off the field. Last year’s varsity Stags went 17-6 overall, going 11-4 in the WCAC. This year’s squad looks to uphold and exceed last year’s team, record-wise, with a very similar roster.

At the forefront, seniors Tommy Dietrich and Niko Long look to step up and prove their worth to their respective colleges. Dietrich, a Washington and Jefferson (PA) commit, is the projected starting catcher, while Long, a Southern Wesleyan commit, slots in as an infielder and right-handed pitcher. Both players are essential pieces to this program and need to be key contributors for this team to be good.

In addition to the seniors, there are a multitude of juniors who will be asked to have key roles this year. Brooks Franklin, a Naval Academy commit, looks to man the 6 hole as the team’s projected starting shortstop. In addition to him, two-sport star Bud Coombs (outfielder) and transfer Michael Candy (utility) look to show off their skills and athleticism in order to get some wins.

At the helm, varsity head coach Steve Miller ’81 will be leading DeMatha baseball this season. Miller is a coach who preaches discipline. His motto for his players is to “buy in,” a phrase that demands his players to accept their roles and execute them to the fullest extent. Coach Miller holds his team to a high standard, and his players’ skill and discipline show on the field.

DeMatha has much intrigue on the baseball front. While it may go under the radar, it is well-respected in the WCAC and can produce just as good of a product compared to other sports. DeMatha baseball is a strong, storied program, and will look to continue to add to that in 2024.