MFL MarMac baseball team will rely on strong pitching, defense
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
The MFL MarMac baseball team includes just two seniors this season but doesn’t lack depth or returning experience.
“Every kid in our starting lineup has played varsity baseball in the past,” said head coach Brandon Burke. “The team chemistry we have is strong, the guys get along well and love playing the game.”
The two seniors, Kaden Stocker and Chauncy Drahn, will lead the Bulldog offense, which Burke hopes will be an area of improvement as the summer progresses. Stocker and Drahn will be called on to pitch and play great defense too.
“Our defense will be the backbone of our team,” Burke said, “and the pitching staff is deep and has lots of experience and a few new intriguing arms.”
Sophomore Carver Blietz-Bentien, freshman Jacob Schellhorn and sophomore Bryce Radloff will round out the MFL MarMac infield, contributing to the talented defense.
“They will all three be leaned on to pitch as well,” added Burke.
As one of the team’s best hitters, freshman Ben Krambeer will serve as the primary designated hitter. He’ll be one of the top starting pitchers too, and play some second and third base.
Junior Austin Schlee and freshman Quinn McGeough will make up what Burke described as MFL MarMac’s “two headed monster behind the plate.”
“They are both very good catchers, and with our very busy schedule, it’s a blessing to have two great kids behind the plate,” the coach shared.
Junior Landon Johnson, freshman Parker Kuehl and sophomore Elias Hatt will play in the outfield, filling full-time roles on the team after being primarily guys off the bench in the past.
Burke listed freshman Jaron Wille as a key utility player off the bench, while freshman Brayden Gordon will provide a big bat. Sophomore Nick Krambeer and junior Austin Evanson will add to the pitching depth.
MFL MarMac’s goal this season is simple, according to Burke.
“To make a deep playoff run and be playing our best baseball as we head into July,” he said.
The coach, who’s seen attendance increase year after year, hopes to see more fans continue to attend games.
“There aren’t many things better than grabbing a popcorn, burger and lemonade and spending your night at the ballpark cheering on the Bulldogs,” Burke said.
The Bulldogs kicked off their season last week, going 1-1. They have seven games on the slate this week.