OHS head baseball coach, John Jaeger, watches the team practice at Schafer Stadium Monday night.
OHS baseball coach, John Jaeger, has waited nine years for this moment. Jaeger and 20 OHS baseball players will travel to Iowa City to compete in the 4A State Baseball Tournament beginning Thursday.
The road to state has been an interesting one for this team. Last spring, due to the pandemic, all school activities, including baseball, were put on hold. “We lost a lot of precious time,” said Jaeger. “Two and a half months of development. Kids weren’t even sure they were going to play, it was a weird year.”
Fast forward to last fall/winter and the OHS coaching staff were confident there would be a 2021 season. “We were able to do the full winter workout in January,” said Jaeger. “Kids played spring baseball in March and practices began in early May, on time. Everything has been a go since then. We haven’t looked back.”
Jaeger credits his team’s work ethic and dedication to being the best as contributing factors to earning a spot in the top eight in Class 4A. “It’s the same team as last year but the off season work was key this year,” he said. “Kids showed dedication early and it has shown throughout the season.” One example is catcher Adam Denniston. His grandfather passed away during sub-state action last week but he continued to stay focused due to the support of his teammates and the coaching staff.
The varsity coach is also impressed with how the students have gelled as a team. “Not only do they play ball together but they hang out together.”
It’s been 15 years since Ottumwa has had a team make in the state finals. “It’s always in your mind that you want to get there,” said Jaeger. “At the beginning of the year, the players were sure we’d get to state. They had that mindset. I think that’s the reason we’re there. It never crossed their mind they weren’t going to make it.”
The Bulldogs will spend the week preparing for the big dance, as they’ve referred to it all season. Preparation will include drills at Schafer Stadium to adjust to playing on artificial turf. “In reality, we will fine tune our skills and try to keep their bodies fresh,” Jaeger said.
This game and this field has special meaning to two senior players. Jesus Jaime started his varsity career and will end it at Banks Field. Mitch Wood will end his high school career on the same field he’ll play on as a collegiate player.
His advice to his players: “Stay hydrated and don’t let it get to you mentally.”
“Our players are living in the moment right now,” said Jaeger. “I hope to make this a tradition. I want this to be the norm and expect to be there each year.”
“I am so proud and happy for our baseball team, coaches, and parents,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory. “Qualifying for state is a tremendous accomplishment and our players, coaches, and parents deserve to experience this lifetime memory.”
OHS baseball team members include: Tyse Barker, Tanner Schark, Mitch Wood, Trevor Summers, Trae Swartz, Adam Denniston, Adam Greiner, Rion Slack, Myles Saner, Jackson Saunders, Theron Royer, Blaze Rominger, Thomas Mitchell, Carter Thompson, Max Thomason, Tyler Schark, Lucas Barnes, Jesus Jaime, Julian Moore, and Colton McKinnon.
