Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer
(Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Solutions)
Jey Zubal has plenty of coaching experience, having over a decade grooming athletes on the baseball field. After 11 years away from the game, Zubal is back, as he takes over the Eaton Rapids varsity program. The last time he was coach he led the Greyhounds to a district title back in 2013.
“We return eight players and the entire pitching staff from a team that went 12-14,” Zubal said. “Pitching and defense will be a strength. We have also added some talented younger players to bolster an already seasoned team. We hope to contend for a league title in the now expanded CAAC White.”
Some returning players include seniors Braylon Nobach (infield, pitcher, first team all-conference), Jonny Stohr (infield, pitcher, first team all-conference), Jude Kennedy (outfield), Chase Covello (outfield), juniors Matthew Wright (pitcher, outfield, honorable mention all-conference), Ayden Glassbrook (pitcher, infield, catcher) and sophomores Evan Stohr (pitcher, infield) and Hayden Hendrickson (pitcher, outfield, infield).
“Braylon Nobach, Jonny Stohr, Jude Kennedy, and Chase Covello return to lead a team with eight returning starters from a year ago,” Zubal said. “Nobach is a three-year starter on varsity. Nobach hit .364 and carried a 1.64 ERA on the mound last year. Stohr hit .292 and logged the third most innings on the pitching staff. Kennedy and Covello lead an experienced outfield and give the Greyhounds speed on the basepaths.”
Freshmen Parker Nelson (catcher, infield) and Joe Zubal (pitcher, infield) are some of the new players to join the team and expect to make an impact as well.
“While the team returns eight starters from a year ago, the freshman class looks to add some young talent to help the team,” Zubal said. “Freshman Parker Nelson steps in to fill a void at catcher along with adding depth to the infield. Joe Zubal will add an arm to the already deep pitching staff and depth to the infield. Rick Schutte will also play a role on the mound and both infield and outfield. Wyatt Chick can play multiple positions including on the mound. Michael Chapates will help in the outfield and behind the plate, while Tanner Dingman looks to help on the mound and in the infield.”
Zubal had some thoughts on other players as well.
“Junior Matt Wright looks to continue his stellar performances on the mound from a year ago,” he said. “Junior Ayden Glassbrook returns to start at first base while also being called on the catch and pitch this year. Junior Glenn Steien looks to improve on a season of growth last year as he patrols the infield and brings a third year of varsity experience to the team. Sophomores Evan Stohr and Hayden Hendrickson look to use a year of varsity experience to bridge the gap between the newcomers and the veterans. Stohr and Hendrickson will play larger roles on both the mound and defense as they look to improve from a year ago. Kody Clarke adds a left-handed bat and depth at first base in his second season on varsity. Kaelan Oberlin looks to provide depth to the outfield and add speed on the basepaths.”
After returning to the game for the first time since 2013, Zubal is definitely excited to get things going.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach these wonderful Greyhound athletes again,” he said.