The Kansas high school baseball season kicks off on March 19, opening day for regular season action under KSHSAA regulations. Leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2024 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official Prep Baseball Kansas Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Perennially, we’ve submitted a preseason questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

Our 2024 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Ottawa
Head Coach: Shawn Herrmann (21 years experience)
Classification: 4A
League: Frontier
2023 Record: 15-6 Co Champs of Frontier and Lost in Regional Championship

 

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2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

No. of Returning Starters:

7

Top Returning Players:

Owen Blaine SR P/OF Second Team All State and 6-1 ERA 1.4 Washburn Commit absolute competitor on the mound.Throws Right/Bats Left

TJ Kerns SR P/SS Honorable Mention All State as JR and First Team as a Soph. In my opinion of of the best all around players in the state. Competes every second R/R

Brandon Reynolds SR C 2 yr starter at Catcher Does a great job behind the plate R/R

Keegan Riemer SR INF 2 yr starter on the infield Great hitter and always putting the ball in play. R/R

Zach Winter SR C split time last yr behind the plate R/R

Carter Hepner JR 3B Second team all league great leadoff and glove at 3rd Bats left and Throws Right Great baseball mind

Boston Bloomer JR OF First team all league 2 yr starter in the OF Bats Left/Throws Right is real tough out

Caleb Hepner JR P/INF Can play any position on the field and do it at a high level.R/R

Cole McGrath JR OF worked hard in weight room and looking for big things from him R/R

Top Newcomers:

Ashton McCurdy JR Utility Bats Right Throws Right Very athletic and quick on the bases

Hayden Hull Soph P/Utility Bats Left Throws Right Can play any position well

Will Altic Soph P/INF Bats Right Throws Right very baseball smart

Layton Thompson Soph INF Bats Right Throws Right real good at the plate and loves to compete

Coach’s Insight:

“We have a lot of our pitching that is returning from last year. We have a great team chemistry and that works for us well. Our kids love to compete and will rise to the challenge everyday. All of our pitchers are also position players so making sure we have reps and players to fill the spots when they are pitching. Also to make sure that arms get plenty of rest from pitching to position work. ” – Shawn Herrmann, head coach

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Find more information on the 2024 Ottawa program below:

+ Follow them on X: @O_H_S_Baseball
+ Visit Prep Baseball Kansas’ 2024 KHSHAA Season Preview page to learn more.

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