Tue May 28, 2019
To view the Regional Previews, click below:
Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV
To view the Final Team Rankings, click below:
Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV
To view all things related to the 2019 Spring High School Baseball Season, click here.
To view the 2019 Scout Blog, click here.
Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.
***** Email has been sent out to every head coach, that we have contact information for, who has made regionals and once we get all the information in, we will get out HUGE 64-team Regional Preview online. If you don't see your info, please send to [email protected]
We will add information for the teams that have not sent information into us on Wednesday, by doing research via newspaper articles.
We are holding a fan vote via twitter that will end Wednesday night and we will add those results below after the vote is completed.
Region Overview: Top-rated team in state in Hillsdale will pose major threat to anyone. Hillsdale has allowed just one run in three tourney games so far. After scoring 24 runs in first two tourney games, Seneca East captured districts with 2-1 victory over Norwalk St. Paul. Springfield has shut out last two foes after 7-0 victory in the sectional finals. Mathews has won by nine, six and two runs to date.
For Fun Prediction:
Dylan Hefflinger:
Fan Vote:
HillsdaleRecord: 25-2
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Confidence we are playing with is fantastic. Our defense has been solid and these guys want to keep getting better. They are not satisfied.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Pride for effort these guys put forth and it paid off. Also happy for these seniors. They have been committed and earned this appearance.
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited, confident and ready to compete.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Obviously no easy games. Everyone here is capable, talented and excited to play. We all want to move on so focus will be at a premium.
Seneca EastRecord: 17-11
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Highest Ranking: No. 16 - Preseason
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
New Middletown SpringfieldRecord: 25-3
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are not satisfied.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very happy for the players, how those players that did not play still showed the excitement
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Fortunate, the time & effort put forth by the players has a direct impact on the season to this point.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: We are still in the process of information, each team has earned this level, it is something in their lives that no one can take from them.
PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Players have learned not to think about winning and losing, but to play the game the right way, which will make winning more frequent our community is tremendous, we are home grown people, the support is 2nd to none. The fan base is beyond belief, the problem is trying to keep everything as normal as possible for the players, of which we have talked about. Hopefully those that want to do the extra for us understand that all games are important, and we will keep what we have been doing the same, staying the course. The coaches have contributed to this way all year, it would not be possible without their help.
MathewsRecord: 20-3
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the way my team is hitting in the clutch and playing defense.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Great feeling of accomplishment. Players worked all winter to get to this point.
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited to go up against some of the best teams and programs in the state. I know all games will be hard fought contests that will come down to execution.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: We know all four teams are great. Our round 1 matchup with Springfield is a familiar opponent from past years. They have an excellent tradition of great baseball in that town. We have run into them many times in years past in the tournament.
PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are working hard to represent the baseball tradition of our community. It’s been awhile since we competed on this stage but I have no doubt our players will represent Mathews well.
Region Overview: Kalida only team to win regional title in the history of teams in the field. First trip to regional for both Antwerp and Colonel Crawford while McComb looking to come out on top for first time in Sweet 16.
For Fun Prediction:
Dylan Hefflinger:
Fan Vote:
Record: 17-5
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 8 Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing with confidence and trust in one another. Our pitchers are getting on top
early in counts and controlling at bats. All bats, 1-9, have been consistently contributing at the plate.
Coach: I feel my team is very well balanced with valuable contributors from every grade level.
The team is led by four seniors (Cole Seslar, Keaton Altimus, Brett Fulk, & Nathan Lee). Seslar and Altimus have been starters since their Freshmen year. Seslar made a transition last
season from the infield to the outfield and has been impressive in the CF position. Seslar has
also embraced the leadoff spot in the lineup this season. Keaton Altimus has spent most of his
time at 2nd base. Offensively, he has locked down the clean-up spot the past several seasons.
Brett Fulk has contributed most of his time the past two seasons as a DH, but has also spend
some time behind the plate this season. Nathan Lee unfortunately started out his season with a
knee injury that he has recently recovered from. He has been a valuable vocal leader in the
dugout. Two juniors (Blake Schuette & Jacob Savina), three sophomores (Austin Lichty, Dylan Hines, & Jason Geyer), and three freshmen (Luke Krouse, Chase Clark, & Hunter Sproles) round out the majority of contributions this season. Schuette has mostly played LF, and has also done a great deal of pitching for us this season. Savina has been our starting SS for the past two seasons, and has also pitched for us this season. His pitching role changed from last year, as he pitched in more innings. He now is used as a closer and hasn’t pitched in as many innings this season. Lichty has been one of our top pitchers this season, and spends most of his time while off of the mound at 3rd base. Dylan Hines has played mostly at 3rd and 1 st base this season. Jason Geyer has started most games for us this season in RF. Luke Krouse has been another top pitcher for us this season, and when he is off the mound he plays either 1st base or one of the three outfield positions. Chase Clark has taken on the role of the team’s starting catcher. Hunter Sproles has done some pitching for us this season.
Colonel CrawfordRecord: 22-7
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Playing with confidence, have cut down on mistakes.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Last District title was 1965. Our baseball community was elated. We have no seniors on our team and our young players have done great with handling pressure.
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: CC was 4-20 in 2018. Going 22-7 and playing in regionals shows how hard they have worked. I was the coach from 1981-1995. We reached Districts 9 times and never made it to regionals. Coming back this year and winning Districts is a dream come true.
KalidaRecord: 17-4
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Pitching ERA of 1.56
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very satisfying to accomplish another goal off our to-do list.
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s exciting to play against some of the top teams in Ohio to see how we stack up.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: All well coached, good talent, excellent pitching and hitting on every team.
McCombRecord: 20-5
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Highest Ranking: No. 13 - Week 2
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team goes to battle each night for each other. Our guys play with confidence, and we are swinging the bats well as a team. Different guys are coming through each game.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The Hamler district was very competitive. Leipsic is a very good baseball team that always plays well at the end of the year. We played them close in the regular season to a 1-0 victory. We expected a close game, and that is exactly what we got from Coach Henry and his team. Timely hitting was the difference in the game.
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Our team is excited to be back at regionals after not getting out of districts the last few years. Our last regional appearance was 2015. The McComb community has been great support for our baseball program, and we want to represent them well.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Our regional field is very competitive. These teams have reached this point in the tournament for a reason. Everyone wants to play their best game when you get to this point. All of these teams are well coached and fundamentally sound. The key will be staying focused and executing when opportunities knocks.
PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: My assistant coaches Rob Quiroga, Casey Witt, Caden Schroeder, and Justin Wasson have done a great job preparing our players all season. These players work extremely hard, have high expectations for one another, and love to compete. Tanner Schroeder, Tristan Sherick, and Andrew Smith have played in this program for all 4 years and really done a nice job leading this group this spring. This group has really come together since the beginning of the season. Each player has an important role on this team, and they take their roles very seriously. That has led to success for us this year. Our guys will be ready to play.
We would like to say a special thank you to the fans and community for their continued support this season and during the tournament. PANTHER PRIDE!!
Region Overview: History on the side of Newark Catholic while Toronto has been a program on the rise. Toronto is riding momentum after three straight tourney shutouts prior to 5-1 district final win. Following 6-5 sectional final victory, Racine Southern did not permit a run in districts. Huntington got big win over Reedsville Eastern in district semis.
For Fun Prediction:
Dylan Hefflinger:
Fan Vote:
Newark CatholicRecord: 21-9
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 26
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Week 3
Postseason History:
Top Players:
Record: 17-7
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 25 - Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts: No information provided.
TorontoRecord: 24-5
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Preseason
Postseason History:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts: We are very excited to represent the East District and the community of Toronto at the Regional level. Our players and coaches know going into the Regional Tournament that we are going to be challenged by a very strong field of teams in Lancaster.
HuntingtonRecord: 13-14
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They never give up, they believe in themselves, and they play hard all the time. They have turned the season around by believing in themselves.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was awesome to see the look on their faces. Having never won a District in any sport, the accomplishment was huge. Their faces told the story when the final out was recorded in the District Final. I have been a part of coaching 10 teams to win a District, but these young men have never had the opportunity to be a part of it and it is so rewarding to see this group do it. I’m extremely blessed to have I had the opportunity to share this moment in their lives!
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: The entire community is excited to see these young men play. It has been electric to see the community come together to support them. It is something that these player will remember for their whole lives!
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: There are no weak teams. When you get to this level, the weaker teams have vanished. We know that we are up against GIANTS, both physically and traditionally, but we also believe in ourselves and plan to play as hard as we can. We will be challenged at every level, but as a great former coach of mine has said, “Defense is the great equalizer” - Dan Easterday.
PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The players are playing hard and are a very fun group to be around. They are great kids who will do anything asked and who get the most out of their ability. They have made history at our school by being the first boys sport to win a District… in any sport. This is my second year at this school and they have been hungry for success.
My coaching staff: Trent Downs, Andrew Woods, Rusty Shope, and Scott Keller have worked extremely hard to put these young men in the best position that we could. They have overcome long odds and continue to work as hard as any team that I’ve ever coached. We have gotten the most out of each one’s ability and the maturation process has been fun to watch. We love these players and will do anything for any of them. We are extremely proud of the Huntington Community and we love our Township. Thank you to all who have supported these young men on their journey … GO GREEN!
Region Overview: While Christian is ranked, Russia has given up only one run in three tournament outings. Mechanicsburg proved too much for district opponents as did Minster. which outscored the opposition 35-4 to reach regionals.
For Fun Prediction:
Dylan Hefflinger:
Fan Vote:
Cincinnati ChristianRecord: 17-5
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Week 1
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are doing the small things that are needed to win close ball games. Our pitching and defense has kept us in games, and we are really staying mentally tough right now.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling. The boys played hard and just battled.
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is our second straight year playing in the regionals. We will have the same mentality we have had all year. We will play hard and leave it all on the field.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: We played Russia in the regional semi’s last year, so we are very familiar with them. My
opinion is if you make if this far you have to be a good ball team.
PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I am proud to coach this team. We do not do anything that stands out….but we do the
things that wins ball games. I know our boys will play hard and leave everything on the field.
RussiaRecord: 13-16
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Highest Ranking: No. 18 - Preseason
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts: No information provided.
MechanicsburgRecord: 21-7
Final Ranking: No. 28
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 28 - Final
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like how we execute and play team baseball. We don’t have individuals playing for themselves,but for each other. The relentless effort and determination to succeed is what makes our team tick. There is no quit and a lot of fight in all our kids.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an unbelievable feeling to get that third out in the 7th inning to clinch and celebrate with your guys. You think about the many hours your players and coaching staff put in, the hours that many others don’t see, and to see the hard work pay off is remarkable. This is our first District Title in school history so this is something special for our players, coaches, school and community. Something that we will remember forever!
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in the Regionals is something special for our program and school. To be mentioned with some of the other teams that are joining us with rich baseball history is a huge honor. This is going to be a great experience for our players and coaches. We are all looking forward to it.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: We all understand that we will have to play our best to advance from here on out. The caliber of teams that we will be facing are fundamentally sound which has led to their success.
MinsterRecord: 20-7
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 8
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Week 1
Postseason History:
Team Stats:
Top Players:
Coach's Thoughts:
PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Resiliency. Had a teammate pass away from cancer mid-season. Have really become a different team in the last month.
PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Was really unexpected a month ago but have developed a little moxy and the TEAM identity
PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very fortunate to be where we are. Always grateful for opportunities like this. Our senior leadership has become very evident recently, and some younger kids have really stepped it up with those seniors.
PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: All are very worthy to be still playing at this time of the season. Never take anything for granted. Have to play every out.
