2024 DA Baseball Season Preview

If this is timed right, Happy Opening Day!

That’s right, the Denver Academy Mustangs High School Baseball Team opens their season AT HOME against Lyons this afternoon (March 11) at the Mike Hampton Baseball Field. Last season was a harrowing experience for the team, as they played all their games on the road due to the construction of the new DA theater. The result of the road warriors last year was a middling 6-10 record, which was just not good enough for a trip to the dance, as they would have to be content with being left on the bubble for the second year in a row. 

Something about this team seems different this time around. The venerated Brady Jenkins and Will Plank both graduated after two seasons on the team, sure, but that’s not it. Much like the basketball team, this is a team with real depth for the first time since before the pandemic, and a team that’s looking to shock the league. Senior shortstop Nolan M. looks to go out on a high this year, and his replacement may already be a team member in Spencer G. or Chris J.. Another freshman, Josh O., gives the Mustangs a catcher and another bat in a lineup full of offense. Teddy P. gives the Mustangs a likely second baseman and one of many options out of the bullpen for manager Joe Senne. At the same time, Jack Wood (yes, I am playing as well as covering the squad, but just know I will be as objective as possible) returns to first base and is another arm from the pen. The depth isn’t just limited to the infield, though. Seniors Jonathon H. and Parker L. lead the outfield this season, as well as sophomore Mason N., bringing with them the biggest on-field improvement from last season.

This year's schedule features 14 games at home, something all returning players and coaches appreciate, and a minuscule two road games. Highlights include a doubleheader this Friday, March 15 against Skyview (2 p.m. first pitch) and home games versus Denver Christian and Front Range Christian. Familiar foes Gilpin County and Longmont Christian are absent from the slate as neither currently has a team. The Mustangs will miss both teams, as they beat them in the last two seasons. The schedule currently sits at 16 games, one short of the 17 required to be eligible for the CHSAA playoffs. 

The story of last season was all seniors, with Brady Jenkins leading most of the stat categories, both offensively and on the mound. This season, the story IS the team. One of the most significant and visible developments from last year to this season is that this team has chemistry, which hasn’t been the case in recent seasons.

The key to this team’s success this year is how they work together. Nolan M. can only hit once every time through the lineup, so how the bottom of the order and bench produce is crucial to the team this year. Defensively, making the routine plays is huge, and if they can do that, they put less stress on the offense to pick up the slack. The biggest thing for the pitchers will be to keep it on the ground and in the infield, limiting big hits.

Once again, the Mustangs have expectations to meet, and the ultimate test of a good team is how they cope with those expectations. Nothing has changed in the way the DA Varsity Basketball Team has, but there is still a sense that this team genuinely believes they have the tools to succeed on the diamond.

Once again, the Mustangs open their campaign tonight against Lyons at 4 p.m. and play again this Friday versus Skyview, so come out and support them!