Snyder baseball will begin after-school practice at Lewis Field Friday.
Five experienced players return from last season’s regional semifinal team that finished with a 29-13 record.
“I hope the weather cooperates,” Snyder head coach Shane Stewart said. “We are looking forward to getting out there and spending more time on the field. We will have more time to get things done, get in a rhythm and into a routine.”
The returning players are pitchers Aaron Escobedo and Matt Bass, catcher Lance Davis and outfielders Jarrett Reneau and Eli Trejo.
Escobedo was 9-3 with a 1.74 ERA last season. He allowed 52 hits, walked 31 and struck out 44 in 61.2 innings. Bass, who was injured most of the season, saw limited action on the mound. He finished with a .308 batting average with five doubles, one triple, eight RBIs and two stolen bases.
“I expect Aaron and Matt to pitch a majority of the innings,” Stewart said. “We do have a few younger guys who will be pitching, but we will lean on them.”
Davis had a .374 batting average with six doubles, 17 RBIs and two stolen bases. Reneau had a .274 batting average with eight doubles, two triples, 19 RBIs and five stolen bases.
“Jarrett will move to center,” Stewart said. “I’m hoping Eli will contribute on offense. We expect younger guys to step in and help us out at the other positions.”
Stewart said Colton Lee and Jake Chavez will pitch and play in the infield. Stewart will have to find new starters at first base, shortstop, second base, designated hitter and one outfield position.
“There will be opportunities for younger players to play,” Stewart said. “I expect Matt to be back at full strength. We’re hoping for big things from him.”
Snyder will participate in four preseason scrimmage. The first will be against Wichita Falls High School in Albany on Feb. 6. The Tigers will host Idalou and Levelland Feb. 11 and Feb. 17, respectively. Snyder’s other scrimmage will be at Seminole on Feb. 13.
The non-district schedule will be challenging, Stewart said. Snyder will play Midland Greenwood, Brownfield and Andrews in non-district games.
“We will play good teams,” Stewart said. “I’m not worried about our record going into district. Our goal is the playoffs. Everything comes with how we practice. If we practice at a high level, we will play at a high level. We may look rough in the beginning, but I believe we will end up where we want to be at the end of the season.”
Snyder will play in the Shallower and New Braunfels tournaments and host Seminole, Fort Stockton, Wall, Andrews, Idalou, Brownfield and Shallowater will be at the Best of the West Tournament.
“Shallowater’s tournament will be for four teams,” Stewart said. “We will play five games at New Braunfels. We will have our hands full at all three tournaments.”
Stewart likes the mixture of experienced and new players.
“It’s comforting with two senior pitchers and their experience to stabilize everything,” Stewart said. “The younger guys will follow their lead. We have positions open. I’m looking for players that can be consistent.”
Snyder’s competition in District 5-4A will be tough, Stewart said. Defending state champion Wylie, which eliminated Snyder from last year’s playoffs, Sweetwater, Big Spring and Brownwood are members of the new district.
“The district will be tough,” Stewart said. “It will be an opportunity to see what we can do against good competition and how we stack up.”