Swining into season

“Take me out to the ballgame.” Palisade High School’s 2023 baseball season is rounding the corner. For many people, the start of baseball season is a sign that summer is about to start. The Palisade baseball program carries a lot of weight on its shoulders trying to meet the standard that the last two years of teams have set. For the last two years, the team has set the bar high and been back-to-back league champions. In 2021 they had 11 wins and 1 loss in league games and 14 wins and 3 losses overall. Last season, 2022, they went undefeated in the league with 11 wins. They also had 24 wins and 4 losses overall.

The program did have all three of their seniors from last year sign to play in college. While this was great to show the strength the program creates it leaves this year's team with some strong shoes to fill. One of the strongest players they lost, Ryder Mancuso, led last year's team in runs, doubles, batting average, on-base percentage, stolen bases, and tied for hits. However, with the loss of players they have a lot of talent to fill their spots. With an estimated 4-5 seniors for this year’s team and the head coach remaining the same the outlook for the season is good. Two of this year's seniors have also already committed to play baseball in college. Josh Zotto is headed to play for Northeastern Junior College and Brett Rozman is headed to play for Central Arizona next year. 

While the head coach remains the same, Nate Porter, they have taken on a new hitting coach, Russ Carrone. Senior Ryker Harsha mentioned they are looking to take league champions once again. To get there he said they have to, “Play as a team and win as a team.”