“The idea was to keep as many players in the program as possible,” Brumfield said. “It was an opportunity to get the kids some experience.”
Brumfield had 24 players on the roster — 15 freshmen and nine sophomores.
“In the preseason meeting, I guaranteed the opportunity for these kids to get some work in,” Brumfield said. “I could not guarantee playing time because of the way spring baseball is in Southwest Ohio — six-week season, no more than 20 to 25 games in a good year. The opportunity was there to get acclimated to high school baseball and show what it’s like.”
The Rams finished the season 9-9 overall and 9-5 in the Greater Catholic League Central to capture the league title.
Top sophomores were: pitcher/outfielder David Korb, catcher Nate Snellgrove and pitcher/outfielder Michael Guidugli.
Top freshmen were: outfielder/infielder Heath Stricker, shortstop Luke Wurzelbacher and pitcher Devan Shelton.
Other team members were Corey Nunn, Caleb Conrad, Max Adams, Nick Sciulli, Dakota Carlyle, Timmy Kramb, Alex Exum, Nick Berens, Matthew Estridge, Andrew Savage, Raphael Grollmus, Joe Marot, Danny Wolf, Sean Hummer, Morgan Reynolds, Tommy Saurber, Jonah Watson and Chase Brandenburg.
“Some of these individuals will be able to step in and contribute as varsity players next year,” Brumfield said.
Brumfield was assisted by Dave Doyle, Jeff Smith and Michael Mayer.
“The goal at the JV level is to get the kids fundamentally sound to move them up for the varsity,” Brumfield said. “Wins and losses don’t matter. What does is moving the kids up the ladder and get the program as best as can be. Put these kids in situations to compete and battle at the varsity level.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.
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