Baseball

Written by: Gabe McKinney

Savannah Country Day baseball enters a new era in 2025 as coach Nate Ward steps down from head coach. Ward, a graduate of Armstrong State, has been a beloved figure among students and faculty alike. Under his leadership the Hornets have made five straight playoff appearances. Ward, a Richmond Hill and Savannah native reflected on his tenure at the program:

        “I’m extremely proud of it. I know the history of the Country Day baseball program wasn’t one with a ton of success, but that’s just not the case anymore," said Ward. "There were coaches that used to schedule Country Day and make a checkmark for a win before the season even started. That’s just not the case now. We’ve done very well. It is pretty astounding to think about where we came from to where it’s at now.” During his time at Country Day he estimated an $1.8 million invested into the program in his five years. 

     Stepping in to fill Ward’s shoes is coach Craig Broadman. Broadman played two years at one of the best junior colleges in the nation before finishing his college career at Maryville State. He also spent a few years in independent baseball before returning as an assistant coach at Maryville State. He now looks forward to leading the Hornets and continuing the Hornets upward trajectory.

      In another surprise move, senior first baseman Wynn Dennard announced his retirement from baseball. Dennard, a key member of the team, will not finish out his final season. His teammate Gabe McKinney had this to say about him,”Selfishly, I wish he was still on the field. I know others feel the same way. But I talked with him about it and understood the decision he made.” In addition to losing Wynn the Hornets also lost 4 Seniors and outfielder Ben Klienpeter who transferred to BC

       Despite these changes the Hornets still return with several key players and a larger senior class. Seniors, Tyler Scott and Brooks Kleinpeter, are listed as top ranked returning players in the Savannah area. Scott, an all-region first-team selection last season, is a two-sport standout who has signed to play football at Bryant University. As a junior, he hit .326 with 26 RBIs and went 5-4 on the mound with a 2.25 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings. Kleinpeter, another multi-sport athlete, has signed to play football at Murray State and was an all-region first-team selection last season. On the mound, Even Sedory and Emmanuel University commit Gabe McKinney have established themselves as dominant arms. Ranked 96th and 97th in Georgia respectively in strikeouts, they also hold the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in strikeouts among Class 1A Division 1 pitchers. With these two leading the staff, opposing teams will have a tough time generating offense against the Hornets. Offensively the Hornets will rely on a strong group of returning senior hitters: including catcher Tyler Scott, third baseman Brooks Kleinpeter, first baseman Jackson Sammons, center fielder Gabe McKinney, right fielder Walker Price replacing Corbett Salendi, and left fielder Miles Carson replacing Ben Kleinpeter. And lastly Jackson Day will take over at second base. 

      So far, one of the most inspiring stories this year belongs to Jack Day. Who despite being a part of the baseball program for five years has seen little action due to a series of long injuries: a broken L4 vertebrae in eighth grade, a rotator cuff sprain in ninth grade, dislocated knee caps in 10th and 11th grade (requiring surgery). After having to sit out and miss close to 4 years of baseball Jack was finally excited for the chance to start on his first Opening Day in the spring. Of course it wouldn’t be that simple. Unfortunately Jack would dislocate another knee in the fall and his hopes to play on opening day were left in the dark. It seemed like Day just couldn’t catch a break and nobody was at fault for the way things seemed to play out. I don’t think anybody would have blamed him for retiring from baseball, and focusing on school especially with what he’s been through. But everyday Jack came in to rehab his knee more determined than ever to make it back on the field. I’ve spoken with him many times and he says that he just tried to,”take it day by day and focus on the marginal improvements.” And with what some would have called impossible, Jack would eventually be cleared by a physical therapist to participate in team activities again and slowly work his way up to more and more straining activity on his legs, basically relearning on to put pressure on his knees.

His hard work eventually paid off on Opening Day against Charlton County as Jack Day’s name was on the lineup card. He may have posted a small stat line against the Charlton County Indians however the stats have no bearing on the impact of his comeback to the Hornets team. What’s most important is that Jack has always seen this as a challenge to overcome, not something to live in fear of or have self pity over. As he now wants to help others in their recovery journey as well. His story embodies what it means to be a Hornet. Character. Commitment. Perseverance.

      For updates on games, scores, and stories throughout the season, be sure to follow the Savannah Country Day baseball account on social media: @scds.baseball