Baseball preview | Eagles mix veterans, youth

Success is nothing new to the Issaquah baseball program. Since 2000, the Eagles have claimed three state championships and two third-place finishes. So, it’s certainly no surprise aspirations remain lofty for the 2009 season. “I think our goal every year is to get into the playoffs and have a shot,” head coach Rob Reese said. “We want to compete for the state championship. I think the tradition’s pretty much set with the success we’ve had.” This year’s squad undoubtedly has the building blocks achieve the feat, but there are also a few question marks. Issaquah graduated 13 seniors from last year’s third-place state team, including its whole starting pitching rotation. The Eagles bring back veterans, however. The entire outfield returns, led University of Washington verbal commit Spencer Rogers. The junior led the KingCo 3A last year with an astounding .571 average (32 hits in 56 at bats). “He is probably one of the best hitters in the state,” Reese said. Seniors Brennan Miller and Miles Perkins also return in the outfield. Rogers, Miller and Perkins were among the top five hitters on last year’s team. “Those are some pretty good guys to build around,” Reese said. Issaquah also returns two infielders in junior shortstop Grant Gellatly and senior second baseman Michael Dixon. Juniors Mike Paulson (first base) and Marcus Gaan (third base) will round out the infield. The large question mark lies on the mound, where Issaquah only returns two relief pitchers from last season — senior Austin O’Neil and junior Shane Yarnell. “We have eight total pitchers on the roster,” Reese said. “We’re going to see who wins the job.” Rogers, Paulson and Matt Houser are all expected to compete for spots this year. Issaquah also has three players competing at catcher. Entering the new KingCo 4A conference, Reese said it will be an interesting year trying to get a feel for other teams around the league. “I’m not sure what we’re getting into yet,” he said. “It’s a big question mark, but they don’t know what we have either.” The top four teams from the KingCo Crest and Crown will advance to the KingCo 4A playoffs. From there, two teams are guaranteed state berths and the other two must play the Southwest District in “pigtail” games for the final two state berths. Issaquah starts its season at 3:30 p.m., Friday at home against non-league Kentridge.

Contact Issaquah Reporter Assistant editor Kevin Endejan at kendejan@issaquah-reporter.com or 425-391-0363, ext. 5054.

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