Oakland baseball team looks to move up in MVC

OAKLAND — The Oakland High baseball diamond is adorned with seven players who have been playing on varsity the past three years. And Oaker coach Jerry Harris says his fourth-year players aren’t taking their positions for granted.

“This group has become very focused on what they’d like to get out of the year ahead of them,” the sixth-year coach said. “Some of these kids have started since they were freshmen and that’s where the expectations come from.”

Oakland was maddeningly inconsistent last season, outscoring its opponents 179-89, but only had a 13-12 record to show for it. The Oakers lost five games by two runs or less in Mountain View Conference play and finished tied for fourth.

Harris hopes another year of experience, coupled with work in the offseason, will push the Oakers over the top.

“We had some guys really commit themselves over the winter,” he said. “They worked out and went to camps.”

Seniors Blair Robertson and Jake McLean form probably the most experienced right side of the infield in the state, having started since they were freshmen.

The left side of the infield isn’t too shabby either. Senior Kyle Perry earned second-team all-MVC honors on the mound. When he’s not pitching, shortstop Dakota Mathis, another MVC all-star, and third baseman Coleton Baker have capable arms.
Clinton Enos, who received honorable mention all-conference at center field, is the top reliever. Infielder Patrick Goodman and outfielder Cody Perry may also throw.

“Pitching is going to be really key for us,” Harris said. “If we get our pitching to where we need to be and be consistent defensively, we should give ourselves a chance at the playoffs.”

Junior Ethan Sweeden moves from a utility role to starting catcher after attending the Oregon State and Western Oregon baseball camps. Senior Trevvor Simmons has leftfield locked down.

While rain has plagued Oakland’s preseason schedule, the team will get plenty of game action on a Spring Break road trip through California, Arizona and Nevada. The Oakers will play doubleheaders in Anaheim before busing to Phoenix to watch Major League spring training games, then play more doubleheaders in Las Vegas on their way home.

Much of the 16-man roster played on either or both of Oakland’s MVC champion football and basketball teams.

“There’s been talk of that in practice, but we have a lot to do before we can think about a three-peat,” Harris said.

“But success does breed success. The kids are coming out of football and basketball with playoff experience and that can only help.”