Newcastle’s Racers return to baseball season this year after finishing last year with 28 wins and 11 losses, as Bi-District Champions and then losing in the Regional finals.
Head Coach Mike Crossley’s Racers graduated eight seniors last year, four of whom were starters. But he returns some big names.
Seniors Logan Wade, Trey Crossley, Alex Logan, Josh Langford, Blake Walker, and James Fulsom will again be wearing their Racer uniforms. Fulsom broke his hand last year and only played four games for the Racers. They’ll be joined by seniors Jeffrey Sargent, and also Randy Nix, Jr., who moved to Newcastle last year.
Coach Crossley, who is in his 38th year coaching and 35th year as NHS Head Coach, said he also has two freshmen who might see some playing time: Taj Smith and Jackson Schanuel.
There also is junior pitcher Jackson Robertson. Crossley said he has a lot of younger players coming up, but three others he mentioned were Lane Seaton, Taylor Frazier and Kaden Longman.
“We have a lot of good kids, such as those I listed, but as we get some good weather and playing time, we’ll find out who the main kids will be,” Crossley said.
He added that it’s kind of a mixture of young and old, and they’ll find out how well the seniors lead the team, and what the new bunch coming in are capable of doing.
Lost to graduation from the 2022 Racers were Arnold Portillo, Will Cates and Garrett Ninness, as well as catcher Hunter James.
Newcastle plays in District 4A-1 with teams such as Bethany, Bridge Creek, Harding Charter, Harrah, John Marshall, Mount St. Mary and Tuttle. Crossley said Bethany will have a good ball club. And Harrah is always tough behind coach Mike Lowe, who always does a good job, according to Crossley.
The coach said Mount St. Mary was tough last year and they return everyone. He added that Tuttle is always tough, as well.
Newcastle had its first game of the 2023 season on Monday at Bridge Creek, and then at home against Bridge Creek on Tuesday.
They play again Monday at Harrah.
Coach Crossley was credited with his 700th career win during a game last year against Charter Preparatory School. The Racers won that game 16-0. The coach and the Racer team hope to continue with that winning tradition this year.
