Photo by Hunter Franklin ’19 – Chad McClanahan ’16 tags out a base runner during the baseball game against North Canyon Friday, Feb. 26. The team looks to build off of experience heading into the season.

By Alex Kirshner ’18
THE ROUNDUP

As Brophy baseball prepares for the new season, the team looks to it’s many experienced players to serve as leaders.

The team is composed of 11 seniors, five juniors, and three sophomores, which head coach Mr. Tom Succow said he thinks is a good thing.

“We have a lot of experience,” Mr. Succow said when asked about the wealth of returning seniors. “All of those players received a good amount of playing time. Hunter Parks ’16, Chad McClanahan ’16 and Mitchell Anderson ’16 are all seniors, and all three received some  playing time on varsity as sophomores.”

McClanahan, who is committed to Arizona State and is rated the No. 1 player in the state, according to Perfect Game, says that the teamwork and chemistry on the team is what makes it the best varsity team he’s been a part of.

“I definitely think that, as a group, this is the best team… just because of our teamwork, and we’re all close and gel well as a team,” McClanahan said.

While a lot has been made of the experience of the seniors, Mr. Succow also said he believes that the juniors and sophomores on the team will be able to contribute immediately.

“I think all of them will have the opportunity when called upon,” Mr. Succow said.

“I really like Max Fees ’17, who’s a catcher. I really like his hustle and his leadership. Jacob Vice ’17, who’s another junior, is going to help us a lot on the mound, as well as Wyatt Maus ’17 and Frankie Almond ’17. Brett Taylor ’17 is one of two left-handed pitchers we have, so that’s critical for us.”

There are three sophomores on the team, Tommy Trudeau ’18, Nick Tiedemann ’18 and Lucas Grennan ’18.

“I think that Lucas Grennan is going to have to step up this year, because he’s our third infielder,” McClanahan said.

Mr. Succow also said he confident in his pitching staff.

“I think our pitching has good depth, we’ve got 12 guys that can pitch… and they seem to be up to the challenge,” Mr. Succow said.

McClanahan echoed his coach’s statement.

“We have great pitching this year,” he said. “Jeff Rula ’16 is our No. 1 guy, and Danny Fischette ’16, who’s committed to Regis. He’s a lefty, and he’s a really good pitcher”

Mr. Succow won his 700th game as Brophy’s head coach in their opener, which was a 4-2 victory over Chandler in the Adam Donnenfield tournament. The tournament is named after former Brophy baseball player Adam Donnenfield ’92, who was killed in a car accident.