As we prepare for the upcoming 2018 high school season, we will be taking a
preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Free State HS
Nickname:  Firebirds
Class: 6A
Conference: Sunflower League
Head Coach: Mike Hill
Twitter Handle: @LFSHSBaseball
Years as head coach at school: 20
2017 Overall Record: 15-7
2017 Conference Record: 7-4
2017 Post Season Finish: Regional Runner-up
Team Website: Free State Firebirds   

Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 0
Number of Returning Starters/Position Players: 2

Players to Watch
Ethan Bradford, LHP, 2018
Jack Kallenberger, LHP/1B, 2019
Kyle Abrahamson, OF, 2018 (College of the Ozarks)
Jake Rittman, C/SS, 2018
Jake Baker, OF/1B/LHP, 2019

Season Outlook

Lawrence Free State will feature a completely new pitching staff in 2018.  And they will have plenty of young arms that will get opportunities. The Firebirds will count a pair of junior left-handed pitchers, Ethan Bradford and Jack Kallenberger, to fill in the roll and throw more innings this spring. Senior OF Kyle Abrahamson, a College of the Ozarks recruit, is a strong left-handed hitter and will be the key to the Free State offense.  Watch for senior Jake Rittman to solidify the defense behind the plate and at shortstop, while junior left handed hitter Jake Baker shows tons of potential offensively and could have a break out spring. The Firebirds are no strangers to the postseason and expect them to make another run at the Kansas 6A title this spring. 

CLICK HERE, For more Kansas 2018 Team Previews

CLICK HERE, to make a Free PBR Profile

High School coaches can request a 2018 Team Survey by email PBR State Director, Shon Plack at, [email protected].

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• KS Between The Lines Scout Day: Outfielders Analysis2/6/2018A breakdown of outfielders from the Between the Lines Scout Day on January 15
• PBRPlus Recruiting EssentialsSeparating From the Pack2/6/2018Prospects may be grouped on recruiting boards with similar tools. There are ways for players to bump their grade up and become a priority to coaches and scouts.
• PBRPlus Chris Burke Tip of the Week2/6/2018Where Should my bat be? Why is the bat angle important and how can you master this position?