Male Athlete of the Issue: Baseball Seniors

Written by: Jack Day

With winter fading away and spring sports coming into focus, my personal bias turns to the excitement of the upcoming baseball season. After losing a strong class of four seniors last year, the SCDS baseball team looks to revamp its identity with a class of EIGHT seniors that all bring unique skills and traits to the team. 

Though this article is titled male athlete (singular) of the issue I thought it appropriate to break the rules and highlight the full group of eight seniors on the baseball team. This group of seniors is particularly special because we have been playing baseball together since the 8th grade or even longer.

Playing in the outfield and pitching, Walker Price is getting a chance to be an everyday starter this year after the last three years of playing in place situations in the field and relief pitching. It is a very exciting year for Walker to show his skills on the field this year with consistency and we are eagerly waiting to see how this year pans out for him.

Wearing number 13, Gabe McKinney has been the starting center fielder since his sophomore year and continues his role into senior year. Recently Gabe has signed to play division II baseball at Emanuel University in NorthEast Georgia, but until the time comes for him to go off to college, we will be tuned in to his senior season with high expectations. Gabe has led the team in batting average the last two years and has proven himself as a defensive great. This will be a very exciting year to watch Gabe play in green and gold.

Evan “The Machine” Sedory has made great strides in his pitching ability in the last two years coming from struggling in JV games to throwing 85 mph and a very convincing slider. Evan has quickly proven that he is a capable and frequent starter on the mound. Evan is also a fastly improving batter and a talented fielder in both infield and outfield.

Jackson Sammons hasn’t had the baseball season start he may have wished for after having surgery on his elbow which has limited his throwing capability, he has proven he is  an elite baseball athlete by seamlessly transitioning to first base until 100% comfortable making hard throws across the infield. Jackson remains an absolute threat with the bat as he is capable of going deep in any at-bat or situation. 

Though Miles Carson took off of baseball his freshman and sophomore year, he has quickly reacclimated to the flow of the game having become a valuable bat and left fielder to start the new season. Miles is also a prototype locker room guy who is always in support of the efforts as a team.

Tyler Scott has been an everyday starter since freshman year and hasn't looked back. His dominance on the mound has been reliable and invaluable to the teams success and with his new regular role as the catcher, he has shown his true athletic diversity having played every position on the field in games. Tyler received all region awards all previous three years of baseball. We could not be more excited to watch Tyler’s senior season.

After many disappointing season ending injuries, Jack Day is hoping to stay healthy for one final season as a redemption for all the missed time. Suffering a broken back in eighth grade, ruptured rotator cuff freshman year, a dislocated knee cap before the 10th grade season, and knee surgery before 11th grade season. Jack looks to round out the infield at second base and help with the platoon catching arrangements.

Last but not least Brooks Kleinpeter, a 4 year starter is awaited patiently by his teammates to return to baseball from the basketball season. His impact on the field is never understated as he is a swiss army knife playing around the infield, outfield, pitcher, and catcher. Brooks received all region accolades in his first three seasons including region rookie of the year. We look forward to Brook’s exciting senior season.

The SCDS baseball team’s senior class is poised for an exciting and transformative season, as each player brings unique skills and experiences to the field. Despite individual setbacks and challenges, the group has continued to work hard, demonstrating resilience and determination to make their final season one to remember. With leadership, talent, and camaraderie, this senior class is sure to leave a lasting impact on the team’s legacy. GO HORNETS!