The Ashland University men’s baseball team has high hopes for the 2022-2023 season.

The Eagles have seen recent success over the past decade, including four conference title victories and making it into the NCAA regional tournament 6 in their last nine full seasons.

This success comes off the back of longtime Head Coach John Schaly, who sports a record of 876 victories, 467 defeats and 4 draws over his 25-year tenure. But for Schaly, this is one of his youngest teams in recent history.

“I’m going from one of my oldest teams I have ever coached last year, to one of my youngest teams I have ever coached,” Schaly said. “We lost 20 guys from last year, over half of our innings pitched, and half of our at-bats from last year, so many guys are going to have to step up.”

One of these losses includes long-time eagle Shortstop Austin Eifrid, who spent his entire collegiate career with the Eagles from 2018 through 2022.

The former Eagle shortstop and the leadoff man finished his career with multiple school records, including games played, at-bats, runs scored and doubles.

After a large number of departures this offseason, Schaly pointed out Graduate Student and utility man Seth Schroeder, who posted a .319 average starting both behind the plate and out in left field as the next leader in the locker room.

“I look to guide these young guys by showing them the ways we do Ashland baseball and always being there for them if they need anything,” said Schroeder. “Ashland baseball is what it is because of the players and alumni. When I came in as a freshman I looked up to the older players and they showed me the ropes. Now as a 5th year, it’s my job to do the same.”

Starting pitcher Jacob Harsany and long-time closer Perry Bewley headline those that have moved on past Ashland baseball.

Harsany led the team in wins last year, and Bewley is the current school record holder for career saves.

With Harsany and Bewley leaving, starters Justin Dyksma and Josh Meyer, who were 1st and 3rd in innings pitched last year, return for their junior and senior year respectively to lead the Ashland Pitching Staff.

The Eagles look to kick off its spring season on Feb. 25 against the Concord Mountain Lions.