California Pintos baseball enters the 2024 season coming off of a 14-12 season in 2023.
The Pintos were hurt by injuries throughout the season, but were able to make it to the district championship where they were defeated 8-1 by the Eldon Mustangs.
The 2024 Pintos roster is headlined by their four seniors. Collin Althoff, Cameron Combs, Gavin Porter and Andrew Redden.
Head coach Steven Stock believes the experience his underclassmen players got throughout last season will be helpful for them this season. Coupled with the leadership he wants his seniors to display, Stock is hopeful that his team will have the right mix of experience and talent to be a contender in both conference and district play.
"This year's team does have many of the guys from last year and that experience should help as we go through this season. Many of the guys were underclassmen last year and will now take the role of leaders this year. Our seniors will be vital as leaders as they set the tone for how our kids work and play the game," Stock said. "These guys love to play baseball and enjoy being on the field everyday. They will work hard and set the example for our younger guys to see what it takes to improve."
The road for the Pintos will not be an easy one. In addition to their Tri-County conference schedule, the Pintos will host three teams who won a state championship over the last three years. California will also have 13 home games and host a tournament with Versailles in April.
Stock said his team is capable of being a strong team if they play to their strengths and avoid beating themselves in games. He explained California has the pieces it needs to be a successful team - all that's left to do is get on the diamond and play.
"We will also have a strength of having versatility as several guys can and will play multiple positions. We have several returning guys who played varsity last year and most of them could have seasons that will earn them postseason honors. Our schedule will again be tough this year. Eldon, Blair Oaks, Southern Boone are always tough in conference play," Stock said. "Above all, our biggest goal is to improve everyday and be better than the day before. Our biggest team goal is to compete for a conference and a district title. To all of our fans, I say come out and support these guys and be a positive part of making their season as memorable as possible."
The Pintos will open up the season by hosting the defending Class 1 State champion St. Elizabeth Hornets. The first pitch will be thrown at 5 p.m. on Friday.