HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Williamsburg baseball loaded with experience

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By McCall Meade, Williamsburg senior

WILLIAMSBURG - Williamsburg's baseball team is ready to prove the critics wrong this year.

The Raiders were not ranked in the preseason, which adds more fuel to the fire of an experienced group.

The Raiders made a statement last weekend when they defeated the Iowa City West, 2-1, in Iowa City. It was the first time in school history Williamsburg has beaten West in baseball.

Williamsburg finished 19-20 third in the Wamac West in 2011.

Coach Ben Grier, in his ninth season at Williamsburg, has nine returning letterwinners, including  seven seniors and two juniors.

“Anytime you can return nine guys you are going to be optimistic about your chance for success," Grier said. "The team is practicing hard and focusing on little things that are going to help us be more consistent."

A handful of newcomers to the varsity level will be looking to help Williamsburg in any way they can.

“We've got six juniors joining our returning letter winners who had success last year and I expect them to be able to find roles within this team to help us with our depth," Grier said.  "There are a few sophomores who will also be joining the varsity team from time to time when the schedules allow."

Pitching is the strong suit for the Raiders. With five returning pitchers and a couple of juniors who are willing to step up, Williamsburg will be tough to beat.

“I feel that this is typically our best area from year to year and this year is no different," Grier said. "We have five pitchers with varsity pitching experience returning along with two juniors who will help us with our depth. I look for this position to be strong again this season."

With more depth in the infield,  and many combinations that will be able to work, the Raiders are looking to find the best combination. Three returning starters will be looking to lead the infield this year.

Competition is tight in the outfield with two returning starters back.

Offensively, consistency and production will be the challenge. Grier said  he has noticed improvements in each individual, which makes him very optimistic for this upcoming season.

"Like every season, I look forward to seeing the group mesh as a team and work towards playing our best baseball in the middle of July,” he said.