Wildcats baseball looking to be a threat in 2024

By Bees O’Brien

MILL HALL- Central Mountain baseball head coach Mike Kramer will be looking for the very best out of his team in 2024. CM was hit hard due to graduation, but a good core of returnees and newcomers should help get the Wildcats back into the state playoffs, but that begins even far before spring infield practice began.

Since October the CM program has been running open workouts to better prepare both the experienced players and possible newcomers that can fill voids left from departing seniors.

“What we can do to enhance our chances to get back into the state playoffs is WIN each and every day.” Said Kramer in regards to a postseason return “Heightened awareness and extreme focus on getting better. As long as we focus on today and improve, we allow ourselves a great chance.”

Last season the Wildcats went 21-2, knocked off Hollidaysburg for a District 6 5A crown, defeated Dubois in the 6/9 subregional before falling to Penn-Trafford in the first round of state playoffs by an 8-5 count.

Kramer and the Wildcats have some depth on the mound. 12 players will be expected to be pitching this season for Central Mountain.

Returning players like Ashton Bennett, Elek Fravel, Thomas Sprague, Gardy Fravel, Connor Foltz, Kevin Grenninger and Brady Myers make up an experienced group. Newcomers Isaiah Maldonado, Blake Walker, Watt Probst, Gage Laughner, Gavin Bower, Austin Frank, Bryce Brungard, Jase Seltzer, Brady Lavelle, Darius Shade, Nate Wian, Chase Bears and Malaky Moyd are all expected to be contributors.

Kramer mentioned that his team has been working hard every day.

Assisting coach Kramer this season will be Jon Herman, James Gallagher, Dan Grenninger, Trevor Hanna, John Hanna, Levi Schlesinger and Trey Gentzyel.

The Wildcats difficult schedule, both within the PHAC and nonconference begins on Tuesday March 19 at home against a tough District 6 rival in State College. Games against Dubois, Loyalsock, Bald Eagle Area , Mifflin County and Bellefonte highlight their nonconference slate.

Within the conference there will be plenty of challenges with Jersey Shore, Milton, Williamsport, Shikellamy, Shamokin and Selinsgrove all looking to take down the Wildcats.