Prep Baseball Report

Division IV Team Of The Week: Week 1 - Kalida


Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Senior Writer

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Division IV Team Of The Week: Week 1 - Kalida

KALIDA - The 2023 baseball season is supposed to be special in more ways than one for the Wildcats of Kalida. Big expectations and field renovations has excitement at a high level at the Putnam County school, and the start to the campaign could not have been better.

Allowing just one run in three games, Kalida is off to a 3-0 start and with it accolades as the Prep Baseball Report Division IV Team of the Week.

“We had very high hopes for this year,” related head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. “We have a lot of talent coming back and almost everyone in the lineup is a 2- or 3-year returning starter. We also have a very deep pitching staff, with several guys that would be No. 1's on a lot of D-IV pitching staffs.

“The guys worked hard all offseason on hitting, but you never know how that will transfer to games. We saw glimpses last year, but weren't really consistent. So far this year, we have been.”

There have been a pair of 10-0 wins over Delphos Jefferson and Ottoville along with an 11-1 victory over Elida.

“Our pitching has been outstanding,” noted Ehrnsberger. “Colin Hoffman, Carson Klausing and Drew Buss started the games and all threw very well. In 16 innings, we've only given up six hits and walked 8, to go along with 20 Ks.

“We are hitting .395 as a team with a .500 OBP so everyone is doing their part,” added Ehrnsberger. “Also, something I'm very proud of, our hitters have earned 16 base on balls while only striking out 11 times.”

The results have been a trio of game-shortened wins to start the year.

“It is early, so a lot of baseball still has to be played,” the Kalida mentor said. “I am a perfectionist, and I portray that to the guys. Even with three run-rules, there were places where we could improve. Having kids believe that is a tough task, but our experienced guys know how little things can make a big difference later in the season and into the tournament. These guys are hungry, and willing to put in the time to achieve our team goals.”

The quick success to the season has the program getting some attention.

“We don't have any college commits so far, but coaches are starting to take notice,” Ehrnsberger said. “We don't have any shiny top prospects, but we have a lot of hard-working, quality players that would be assets to smaller colleges.”

Holgate, Miller City and Crestview are on tap this week as the Wildcats look to continue the momentum.

“We have a great senior class, and they have been working for this season for a while now,” Ehrnsberger said. “If we stay healthy, and continue to chase perfection instead of being satisfied with just being good, the pieces are in place to potentially have a special season.”

Adding to the excitement is a new look at the home ballfield.

“This is a special season at Kalida,” Ehrnsberger said. “Not only are big things expected on the field, but that field we are playing on is extra special. Although we put in a turf infield in time for last season, the rest of the complex is getting a spectacular facelift. It isn't completed quite yet, but when it is later this year, I expect it will be the nicest high school field in the state. The original price tag was around $1.7 million, but with some design changes and inflation, that cost has risen to around $2.6 million. Our community is known for being extremely generous, but this project has even blown my mind in what people and businesses were willing to donate.

“Holy Name Ballpark has been the site of many historical moments (Negro League Barnstorming Tours, the AAGPBL that ‘A League of Their Own’ made famous, and State Tournament Games, to name a few), so we wanted to assure the facility was around for many more years for younger generations to appreciate,” added Ehrnsberger. “Our current players are in awe of the facility and understand their good fortune and want to make it a season to remember. The younger kids in town are excited as well, and are certainly looking forward to their opportunity of playing on that field.

“This project has generated an excitement around town, to both future players and parents and even non-baseball fans as it is certainly something to be proud of,” Ehrnsberger concluded. “As the baseball coach, it's exciting to be a part of such a historical place, but also at the prospect of what is to come for this amazing town and future generations of Kalida baseball players.”

A Look Back At The 2022 Season:

To view the 2022 Team Previews, click here.

To view the 2022 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To View the 2022 PBR All-State Teams click below:

To view the 2022 Preseason All-State Teams, click below:

To view the Weekly Team Rankings, click below:

To view the 2022 Ohio Spring Scout Blog, click here.

A Look Back At The 2021 Season:

To view the 2021 Team Previews, click here.

To view the 2021 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To View the 2021 PBR All-State Teams click below:

To view the 2021 Preseason All-State Teams, click below:

To view the Weekly Team Rankings, click below:

To view the 2021 Ohio Spring Scout Blog, click below:

A Look Back At What Would've Been The 2020 Season:

To view each of the parts to the No 'Last Dance' Series, click below:

To view the 2020 Team Previews, click here.

To view the 2020 Preseason All-State Teams, click here.

To view the 2020 Virtual Ohio High School State Tournament/Preseason Team Rankings, click here.

A Look Back At The Last Decade:

To view the Ohio High School All-Decade Team 2010-2019, click here.

A Look Back At The 2019 Season:

To view the 2019 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2019 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2019 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At The 2018 Season:

To view the 2018 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2018 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2018 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

A Look Back At The 2017 Season:

To view the 2017 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2017 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2017 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

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