A Look Into the Bomber Baseball Upcoming Season - By Alec Ammerman

The Richland Bomber baseball team is coming off a strong 20-6 record in the 2022-2023 season, with a state birth to go with that. This team is looking for another very successful season, keeping the program's reputation where it has been and keeping the expectations high.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ )

This program has had great success in the past, specifically during my time here at Richland. In the past three years, the program has a 55-14 record, with two trips to the state tournament, falling short twice. These seniors who have a taste of state baseball are hungry and determined to get to the top of the mountain and the ultimate goal of a state championship. 

With a deep dive into the team, in the past few months, there have been three players who have signed to go play at four-year universities, starting with MIF/C John Corbin, who will be attending Saint Martin's University, Pitcher Alec Ammerman, who will be going to Grand Canyon University in the fall, and 3B/P Chris Daniels who will join the New Mexico State Aggies. As a third-year returning starter for the Bombers, I spoke with him, “Going into junior year, the kids around the league got to know me and pitched around me. It was tough for me, and I had to learn to stay disciplined…. I have put a lot of work in and off the field to prepare myself. I know what I bring to the team and my role, and I will do my best to lead the team.” Daniels dealt with some adversity in his three years, but he believes he is prepared and ready for another huge season in his final year.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ )

Richland has had many players in the past few years who have gone on to play in college all over the country, ranging from D1, D2, NAIA, and community colleges, and even selected in the MLB Draft. The amount of success this program has had moving guys to the next level is a huge attribute. 

As we talk about success, we can talk about the success this team is striving for this season. As we mentioned and everyone knows every team's ultimate goal is to get that state championship. With that being said, there are going to be some key roles that need to be filled this season. Starting from four-year starter Kooper Jones, who was a huge part of the defense behind the dish, then a huge leader and motivator Jase Vopalensky. “We need a couple guys who can be clear leaders.” Head Coach Grant Richardson said. With these guys graduating last year, we are going to need some of the older and younger guys to step up and contribute to the team in the roles they are put in. Some of these guys have been on varsity and have seen what the expectations are, and some will get their first taste of varsity and learn and pick up what the varsity level is like. 

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ )

A big position we lost and will need some guys to step up in is pitching. With the loss of multiple big arms, there will need to be some pitchers who give us some innings in relief to help get us through the end of our games. Some returners, such as Dallas Bennett, will give us many innings and be a starter whenever he is available. 

Another big thing to look forward to is the brotherhood that is created within the team. With the amount of time we spend together, whether at practice, team dinner, supporting the little leaguers, or hiking Badger Mountain, we all love it. When everyone is together, it's always a good time. Brotherhood is something kids look forward to and builds relationships that last forever. With brotherhood comes trust and relationships followed by leaders and role models. After talking with junior MIF Carter Upmeyer, he said, “I look up to all the seniors because they have been in the program for three years, and if anyone knows the most about the program, it's them.” As we see, the younger guys are looking up to these seniors, and such a great group of seniors will set these younger guys up for success.

Photo: Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_ )

After seeing the point of view from the players' standpoint, we can look at what Head Coach Grand Richardson’s visions are for this upcoming season. “I fully expect these guys to have the time of their lives and make a run at the state title this season while bringing younger players along to be impactful.” We see not only the athletes but also the coaches striving and having visions of that state title. This team is paving the way for their 6th state title in Richland High's baseball history.