HULBERT BASEALL

After breaking a 23-year title drought last year by winning the district baseball championship, the Hulbert Riders are looking forward to trying to repeat and take a step further in the playoffs as the 2024 baseball season lays just ahead.

“We didn’t have any seniors last year so we were pretty young, and we have a good core of that group back again this year,” said baseball coach John Rozell, starting his second year as the Riders baseball boss. “We’ve got most of our pitching and catching back and we should have some freshmen that can help us as well.”

Leading that group of returners is sophomore Ethan Ellis who was quite a surprise last year for Hulbert.

“When we were a few games into the season last year I told Ethan I needed him to play catcher which was a position he hadn’t played but maybe three or four times in his career. Well, he took to it like a fish to water. I think he’s a big-time prospect back there. I don’t know that I’ve ever been around a kid that young with a great swing like he has,” said Rozell. “He’s also our number two pitcher who has good command of his pitches and makes the hitters swing at his pitches.”

Batting in the second spot in the lineup, Ellis hit .500 last year with 41 RBI’s and 23 stolen bases.

“At one point he was hitting close to .600 but I think the wear and tear of pitching or catching everyday wore him down a little towards the end of the season,” said Rozell. “As a pitcher he threw 45 innings last year with 85 strikeouts and 15 saves.”

One of the young guys to watch for the Riders will be freshman Shane Hubbard according to the head coach.

“I’ve known him since he was eight years old or so and he’ll be valuable because he’s so versatile. He’ll mostly play in the outfield for us, but he can also pitch and relieve Ethan at catcher if needed. He’ll probably hit in the one or two spot and I think he’ll be a good baserunner for us. He’s a good contact hitter who can drive it to the gaps.”

Other guys that will make contributions for the Riders will be juniors Ethan Thompson who will play shortstop and probably be the number one pitcher along with Dusty Tedder who plays first base and can pitch. Sophomores Logan Beeler, Jake Botts, Anthony Torres and Chris Willis will also play major roles on this young squad along with freshman Ty Wynn. Rozell also had praise for two other contributors to the Riders. Senior Johnny Torres came to Rozell last year and wanted to be a part of the team but had never played any organized sport before. 

“I thought Johnny would make a good team manager. He’s a hard worker and is well liked by everyone on the team and a real people pleaser and we told him we’d work with him a little. But as the season went along and we had some injuries and attrition, Johnny ended up starting in left field and nobody tries harder than he does. His infectious attitude really inspired our team and I even named one of our post season awards for him and his selfless dedication. While statistical success hasn’t been in the cards for him, Johnny will be more successful in the game of life,” said Rozell.

The other contributor is senior team manager Milee Hubbard.

“She’s really the one that holds us all together. She’s like the team mom and we have a team joke that one of her main jobs is to make sure I don’t get tossed. She’s like that guy that Brent Venables at OU has that grabs his headphone cord and reels him in if he gets carried away,” laughed Rozell. “She’s the manager for three sports teams and is really the heart and soul of our team. Of all the seniors I’ve ever lost to graduation, I dread losing Milee after this year the most. She is absolutely irreplaceable.”

The Riders begin defense of their district title as the season begins in mid-February.