Ty Welker begins his 11th season at the helm of the Troy Trojans baseball program, and he knows what lies in front of him. The Trojans lost several seniors off of last year’s squad, but also feels that with the talent they have coming back, they can make a successful run at the top teams in the area.
“We have had some nice success here the past few years, so I think the mentality is in the right place as we start the new season,” he said. “They understand what it takes to be successful and I think their work ethic is in place.”
“We did lose six or seven starters off of last years’ team, including two of our league pitchers, so inexperience as far as starting guys could be a key for us this year.”
“Our goal is to always win the league and go far into the tournament, but we do that not by looking at the big picture, but working on the little things. We go day by day, and we feel we can be successful and compete against the best teams.”
Despite losing the talent from last year, the Trojans have 12 seniors on the roster this year, many moving up to the varsity team this year.
Leading the way is three-year varsity letterwinner Jared Bair, as the senior will play first base and will be the only left-handed pitcher on the roster this year. Bair is also going to attend the Air Force Academy to play football.
“He is a great kid and outstanding student,” Welker said. “He will do a lot for us this year, not just as a player but as a leader of the program.”
Senior Jordan Peck returns as a third baseman, and pitched some complete games on non-league nights last year.
“Jordan will jump in there and throw for us this year on league nights,” Welker said. “His fastball has picked up speed. He can be real effective for us.”
Also making his varsity debut will be Austin Barney, who will do some pitching for the Trojans and play right field. Jacob Curcio is also a first-year letterwinner and will play in the outfield.
Returning behind the plate after catching 28 games last season is Tyler Lambert, another senior for the Trojans.
“He stepped in last year when my starting catcher got hurt, and he went through some growing pains,” Welker said. “With that behind him, we expect him to take off this year and control the game.”
Another senior, Drake McDonagh looks to contribute in the outfield and will cover a lot of ground for the Trojans. Another returning player will be senior Joe McGillivary, as he returns from injury.
After a two-year hiatus, Troy Moore will be playing for the Trojans this year, who took time off to focus on golf.
Alex Riedel moves up from the JV squad, as the senior will compete for time at third base according to Welker. Another senior to watch is Justin O’Neill, who will see time in the outfield and possibly pitcher on non-league nights for the Trojans.
Senior Noah Roswell is also back after suffering an ACL injury last year.
The lone juniors on the roster will be Hayden Kotwica and Chaz Copas. Kotwica returns after a big sophomore year and is expected to pitch and compete near the top of the order. Copas will challenge for time in the outfield.
Sophomores who will look to compete will be Brandon Emery, Keiran Williams and Jake Daniel, while freshman Jacob Adams has landed a rare spot on the varsity squad.
“This is the first freshman I have had in ten years and he will push the kids,” Welker said.
The Trojans coach feels that the GWOC runs through Vandalia.
“They were strong last year and returns a lot of players, but we don’t feel like we are overmatched,” Welker said. “We expect competition from everyone in the league.”