Bonduel baseball team to rely on hitting, hope pitching develops

The Bonduel High School baseball team hopes to rely on its hitting while trying to establish some pitchers this spring.

Since the last time the Bears stepped on the field in 2019, the team graduated all six players who landed on a Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division team. Still, the team expects another strong season.

“I think we should be competitive all year and, like every year, think we should compete for the conference title,” said Bonduel coach Donnie Gruenewald. “We will have to try to find answers on who will step up to take on a large share of the pitching load. Our hitting will have to carry us to start the year.”

While no all-conference players are back, the Bears do have several experienced seniors to turn to.

One of those players is senior catcher Garrett Engel, who will try and take some of the pressure off the team’s pitchers.

“My job behind the plate is always to make my pitcher look good,” said Engel. “With having the experience I’ve got, I will always be sharing my knowledge. I firmly believe a catcher calls an entire game and can be the difference between a win or loss with even just one pitch in the game.

“I believe a catcher and pitcher need to have good chemistry and understand each other in order for things to work, so that is what we are doing right now,” Engel continued. “I’m working on understanding each and every one of my new pitchers. Framing, blocking and my throw downs are as sharp as ever to go along with that. Even with the inexperience of our pitchers this year, I believe we will surprise many people and teams.”

Seniors Carson Robaidek (shortstop) and Cole Anderson (third base) will help fill out the infield, while Anderson figures to take the mound as well.

Seniors Brett Margelofsky and Jack Johnson will help anchor the outfield.

Juniors Reece Stoltenow and Adam Beilfuss and freshman Noah Weier also will play in the infield for the Bears. Stoltenow also is expected to be a part of the team’s pitching staff.

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