After a season that saw two huge wins against conference powers Newport and Issaquah, and a tie-breaker playoff exit against Bellevue, the Mount Si varsity baseball team, returning only two seniors, will be in a rebuilding mode this year.

The lack of veteran players on the club, which finished 7-13 last year, will mean that leadership will not only have to come from seniors Nick Kirschner, who will pitch and play outfield, and outfielder Nick Johnson, but also from the younger players.

“My philosophy won’t change depending on who’s here,” said coach Gary McGregor. “We’re still going to try to be fundamentally sound. I don’t think we’ll have the leadership we had in the past because we don’t have that many seniors in the program. But I expect some of the juniors to step up and provide some of that leadership.”

Junior Jordan Lettau knows what he can offer.

“[I’ll bring] steady and consistent fielding, and a positive attitude . . . to the team,” said Lettau, who’ll be playing shortstop for the Wildcats.

Additional leadership will likely come from top underclass returnees led by sophomore catcher Brandon Sales, and junior pitcher/outfielder Alex Smart. Smart was an All-Kingco honorable mention last year and was named the team’s best offensive player after posting a .413 batting average and leading the team in RBIs. Newcomers to the Wildcats’ squad looking to make an impact include sophomores Adam Dentz and Craig Weber. Dentz will pitch and play first base, while Weber will fulfill outfield duties when not on the mound.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week’s Valley Record