Turnout is huge for Cheney baseball

CHENEY - There appear to be no "supply chain" issues when it comes to Cheney High School baseball in the 2023 season.

"We have 77 kids signed up," fifth-year Coach Rob Beamer reported, meaning there will be plenty of players to fill every nook and cranny of the program.

That's a significant uptick from Beamer's first season.

"My first year I think 45 kids signed up," he said. "Then each after that, we've had 70 to 80."

That will help stock varsity, junior varsity and even a new C-Squad.

Cheney finished 8-10 in Greater Spokane League play in 2022, 8-14 overall and mid-pack in the league for a team that graduated just two seniors. Isaac Nesbitt "Played a little everywhere and was a pitcher," Beamer said while Nate Mitzimberg started in right field.

Those coming back have Beamer enthused, in particular is Quinn Hubbs an All-GSL pitcher as just a sophomore. "I'm assuming he will be a first teamer this year," Beamer suggested.

"I've got Chabot twins, Eli and Jamel," Beamer said of the seniors. "Jamel's a very strong catcher and Eli is pretty much a utility infielder who will play anywhere for you. And he also pitches."

Another senior is Carson Jeffries who will see duty at short stop.

From there, not a lot is known other than quantity promises to produce quality, Beamer explained.

"The great thing about the classes I have now is that I have a huge sophomore class and I have a very talented junior class," Beamer said. "So any holes that were left will be filled quite nicely."

At the end of the 2022 season, Beamer brought six freshmen up to varsity, okay. "Now they're all sophomores so that I'm looking for a nice big jump there," which he added Beamer has noticed improvement in the way they carry themselves.

Weather permitting, the Blackhawks plan to take the field for their first game on March 14 at West Valley before hosting Pullman on Friday, March 17.