Last season was far from a failure for the Chagrin Falls baseball team as the Tigers went 18-11, finished second in the Chagrin Valley Conference and reached a Division III district final, especially since they were an inexperienced team last spring.
Last season was far from a failure for the Chagrin Falls baseball team as the Tigers went 18-11, finished second in the Chagrin Valley Conference and reached a Division III district final, especially since they were an inexperienced team last spring.
However, their string of six straight CVC titles still came to an end.
This season, the Tigers’ goals remain the same: win at least 20 games, a CVC crown and a district championship.
Head Coach Michael Sweeney is entering his 24th season leading the Tigers and has earned a record of 401-217.
“No matter what we have coming back, the mindset as a program is to cultivate and to expect to win 20 games, the CVC and a district title,” Sweeney said. “We were able to accomplish some good things last year, but our expectations are the same as always. There are a lot of good teams in our area and Division III. It’s always a challenge.
“We still have to prove we can score runs. It was a struggle last year. We are better, stronger and older. Perry was very good last year. Beachwood has two really good pitchers, and Hawken is good, too.”
The Tigers may have struggled scoring runs, but pitching was no problem. Overall, Chagrin Falls has nine players returning with significant varsity experience, including their top three pitchers.
Leading the way is number-one starter and senior Will Graham, who went 4-2 last season with a 0.77 ERA. In 45.1 innings pitched, he allowed just five earned runs and struck out 70.
Following Graham will be senior Charlie Reeder, who went 2-2 with a 2.47 ERA in 22.2 innings with 25 strikeouts. Reeder also plays third base and hit .326 with 17 RBIs and 23 runs scored while stealing a team-high 32 bases.
The last leg of the trio is sophomore Jack Watson, who went 3-1 with three saves and a 2.24 ERA in 34.1 innings with 28 strikeouts and just eight walks.
“I’m excited,” Sweeney said. “Those three guys gave us a lot of innings. Obviously, Graham is a legit number one. He has dominating stuff.”
Having Watson pitch as well as he did as a freshman last spring also opened eyes.
“He has great stuff,” Sweeney said. “He’s not overpowering, but has great off-speed pitches. He mixes up his pitches and throws strikes. He has a dominating change up.”
Sweeney said Reeder will start at third base when he’s not pitching and bat leadoff. Following him will be sophomore centerfielder Henry Cimperman, who is an outstanding glove man.
Batting third should be Graham, with senior first baseman Sven Nielsen hitting cleanup. Graham didn’t really hit last year due to some health issues. He should provide a boost to the Tigers’ lineup.
Nielson will be a third-year starter and a superb glove man on top of his ability in the batter’s box.
Brandt Stevens, a junior, should start in left field after hitting .283 last season with 12 RBIs.
Next would be senior second baseman Oliver Tepper and Watson, who will catch when he is not pitching. Tepper started in right field last spring.
Senior Aiden Cabic will be the main DH and provides potential power with junior Finn Johnson starting at shortstop. Johnson will also see plenty of time at catcher. Johnson and Stevens should slot in as starting pitchers behind the Tigers’ big three.
Senior Drew Blair missed all of last season with an injury, but should see time in the outfield this spring along with junior Nathaniel Newton.
Juniors Mason Hart and Henry Myers can help out in the infield. Both are offensively inclined, with Hart possessing some real power.
Freshmen Ash Martin and Will Murray will push for varsity playing time in the infield.
“Two things we take pride in as a program are pitching and defense,” Sweeney said. “We want to swing it, but pitching and defense will keep you in every game. It’s hard to beat a team that throws strikes and doesn’t mess up. It’s tough to beat a team that doesn’t make mistakes. A lot of high school baseball is capitalizing on mistakes. We make teams have to beat us.”
If the Tigers find ways to score a few more runs, winning 20 games and a CVC title are definitely within reach in 2024.
