Photos Courtesy of Griffin Studebaker
Loveland sports have endured some high expectations this season, and the baseball program is no different. The bar is set high for the team this year, and in a loaded Eastern Cincinnati Conference, the competition will certainly be fierce.
Before the 2022 season, the last two years for the Loveland Baseball program were mediocre at best. The team went a combined 22-30 the two previous seasons, with just a 13-19 record in the ECC.
However, last season, the Tigers finished with a winning record for the first time since 2018, and that momentum and excitement have clearly carried over into this season. Despite losing Pacific commit Jackson Lux (‘22) and five other seniors, this team is loaded with young talent and plenty of guys with varsity experience.
This year's team is led by Morehead State University commit Callum McGill (12) and University of Northwestern Ohio commit Tyler Huff (12). In 2022, McGill threw 32.0 innings, with a 1.09 ERA and 42 strikeouts, racking up one of the best seasons by a pitcher in recent history. McGill was also lethal in the batters' box, batting .264 with 25 RBIs and 2 triples. Huff had a ridiculous campaign in the box as well, as he batted .325 with a team-high 26 RBIs.
Both of these two are very high on the team’s potential this year. Described Huff, “This year's team has a bond like no other team I’ve been a part of. Throughout this offseason, we’ve been pushing each other to be the best we can, whether in the weight room or on the field.” McGill agrees, “Honestly, this team is special because we have grown up together and seen each other grow in the game of baseball together.”
The overwhelming experience on this team is a monumental reason why most people are high on the Tigers coming into the season, Max Harper (11) believes this team's experience will help guide the Tigers to a great season “We have ten seniors playing a large role in this team and it is a blessing to have such an experienced roster. These guys have played at the varsity level and know how to win.” Drew Holman (11) agrees, and truly believes that experience has inspired everyone to work hard this offseason. “With the seniors' help, everyone has been getting after it and this has built an important bond that will certainly translate to the field.”
McGill isn’t the only dangerous pitcher that could start for this Tigers team. Aiden Hansen (11), Jared Werling (12), and Tyler Evans (12) lead the rotation for Loveland. As for the offensive side, Ryan Cathey (12), Cole Carrigan (12), and Charlie Meckey (12) lead a deep and well experienced group of hitters.
With an absolutely loaded ECC withWest Clermont, Milford, Kings, and Turpin all having incredible depth and talent, the Tigers are going to need to compete fiercely, and this team seems like the perfect group to do so. With the balance of experience and younger talent, this Tigers team can be the team to win the conference this season.