Chouteau Baseball
Coming into the 2024 season, the Chouteau-Mazie Wildcats are poised for a solid season thanks to the return of several key players who helped the team to a 20-8 record last year. New head coach Jason Smith believes this team can continue building on the efforts of former classes and take Chouteau baseball to a new level.
“We are going to continue forward and keep building off our last couple of years and continue to grow. Only losing threeseniors, we feel like we are a well-seasoned team and look forward to a successful season,” said Smith.
One player everyone in the Chouteau community is familiar with is senior Taij Chavez. Not only is Chavez a great player,but he’s also a great student as well. A member of the student council, National Honor Society, NASA, and a volunteer youth football coach, Chavez defines what it means to be a student-athlete. He also volunteered with the Special Olympics in past years.
While Chavez is a returning starter on the mound Lucas Grossman may be the future of the program. Grossman, now a sophomore, will see plenty of time on the mound in the rotation and play in the infield. Last season as a freshman, Grossman came on strong toward the end of the season and coach Smith said they are looking forward to seeing his second year of varsity play.
“We are hoping he continues where he left off last year,” said Smith.
Another underclassman expected to make an impact this season is Kyler Hill. Hill is a versatile player who will likely see time at several positions this season. Coach Smith said Hill is the hype man in the dugout.
“Kyler is our hype guy in the dugout, keeps everyone going. He will be playing in different positions this season,” said Smith.
JR Newtown is another name to look for this season. Newton, alongside several other players are focused on making 2024 another 20-win season and making a deep run in post-season play.
First pitch of the regular season is set for March 2nd at Kansas High School. First home game is March 5th against the Hulbert Riders. Chouteau plans to attend the Keystone Classic Tournament in Cleveland, OK. on March 23rd.
For more on the Chouteau-Mazie baseball team visit www.chouteauwildcats.com
