Diamond Classic Preview
By Nick McQueen
A good brand of baseball and a renovated facility that has been several years in the making are just a couple examples of things that the Hays High School baseball program takes a great deal of pride in.
Thursday at HHS field, another yearly tradition continues with the playing of the 27th annual Western Plains Diamond Classic, hosted by the 9-3 Indians.
"It's an exciting time. It's become a great tradition at Hays High, and it's something you really look forward to after you get the first games out of the way," said longtime Indian coach Frank Leo.
The tournament kicks off with a 4 p.m. matchup between Salina Central and Belle Plaine, followed by the Kids McRun at HHS field. Opening day will close with Hays High taking on Belle Plaine, coached by former Hays High player Scott Kinderknecht, a 1999 graduate and player under Leo. The matchup for coach vs. former player is one of a few interesting stories that highlight this year's event.
"This is kind of a highlight of the season," Leo said. "We try to make it a nice tournament atmosphere and now that it's all played at Hays High School and not spread out, everyone can be at the same site, so it's grown to be a lot better over the years."
Along with Belle Plaine and Salina Central, Goodland and Ellis round out the tourney field. Ellis joined the field after Hays High was nearly forced to turn the three-day event into a four-team field.
Wichita-Word of Life, which competed last season, declined its invitation in the fall, and Ellis, playing its first season of varsity baseball, jumped at the chance to play four games close to home.
"They've got some good players over there, so that will be fun to see,"¬ Leo said.
Goodland and Salina Central are both returning teams this year, rounding out the field.
"You can't look past anybody,"¬ Leo said. "You have to go out and do the things you do best and take care of business, and not worry about the other guy."
The Indians have won four straight Diamond Classic crowns, and bring a 9-3 record to the tourney, winning their last five in a row. On paper, the only team that looks to give them a run is Belle Plaine, but Leo knows they will get each team's best look.
"Salina Central always seems to bring their best game to the tournament, not matter what kind of season they are having," Leo said. "It's become a good battle with us when we play them. We have to gear up when we play them."
The Mustangs are 5-9 this year. The two teams will meet in Friday's feature game at 8 p.m. The tourney will conclude Saturday afternoon with a 3 p.m. matchup between Hays High and Ellis.
"We are playing well right now," Leo said of his club. "We need to continue that and need to maintain that consistency, and can't afford to have a letdown. We're gearing up for a postseason run and trying to get better each time out on the field."
A three-man rotation with a little help from the junior varsity club will help the Indians get through the four-game weekend before they return to Western Athletic Conference action next week.
Junior right-handers Logan Downing (4-0) and Kelton Rule (2-1), along with senior right-hander Matt Malott (1-0) will see time on the mound. Senior left-hander Nathan Meier (0-2) is still nursing an injury.
"We will have three starters for sure," Leo said. "We're not sure how we'll do it yet, or what rotation it will be."
The Indians' offense is led by seniors Sam Rohleder and Taylor Pfannenstiel. Rohleder, the team's third baseman and closer, is batting .444 with 13 runs scored, three doubles and 14 RBIs, while Pfannenstiel, the Indians' first basemen, is hitting .409 with 13 runs, five doubles, a triple and two homers.
A number of other activities are planned, including the annual Kids McRun, the Players' McRun, scheduled for 3 p.m Friday, and the team hitting contest, scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 a.m.