Fundamentals, communication key to Wahluke baseball strategy

MATTAWA – Wahluke head baseball coach Chet Bangs said he’s feeling optimistic as his team moves into the spring season. Five seniors are returning this year, and he’s had players step up to ensure the team’s success.  

“(We’ve got) five seniors stepped up this year, showing a lot of leadership together,” Bangs said. “It’s starting out pretty good.”  

The team is pushing hard to develop fundamental skills, especially related to pitching. The mound will have some new faces on it and Bangs said focusing on the fundamentals of pitching will help shore up the team’s foundation for the season. He’s working to ensure all the players get at least a little practice time on the mound to see where any surprise talent might be, but also to ensure they understand the view from that point on the diamond.  

“We're down in College Place this coming Saturday, and (we) have some young players that haven’t really been exposed to pitching,” the coach said.  

Bangs said last year’s offense struggled a bit, though the defense was solid. With that in mind, he’s excited that this year’s group of incoming freshman players are bringing solid fundamental skills with them as they join the team. 

The team had 29 athletes turn out this year, and Bangs said about 19 players have been able to show up consistently in the first week of practice. He does expect to be able to play in the coming weeks as other obligations like work or other sports end. He expects to consistently be able to have a team of 27 who show up and work hard, he said.  

The team is focused on the mental side of the game this year, Bangs said. Each Thursday, the team hits the classroom for about 45 minutes to review practices, allow the team leaders to talk and let everyone examine what they need to do to bring positivity and confidence to the diamond.  

“We focus on certain aspects of the mental game because obviously baseball is going to be (mostly) talking about when you step up to bat, have that confidence. Or, you know, having that positive attitude,” he said.  

There’s also examining strategies and communicating amongst the team, Bangs said. He wants players to be keeping an eye on how a pitcher throws. Is he low and tight into the plate? Is he high and running along the outer edge of the plate? When that sort of thing is noticed, players should share it with the coaching staff and the other players in the dugout. Then, when hitters step up to the box, adjust their stances accordingly. Choke up on the bat, step in close to the plate, or whatever is appropriate.  

“Look at the picture, you know. ... Get that rep in the warmup box. Get that swing down,” Bangs said.  

The focus is on teaching the team to communicate with one another, which he hopes translates not only to on-field success but to life successes as well. He wants his athletes to enjoy the sport but also build the skills and accept the rewards that athletics can offer.  

“One thing I want them to get is, if they put in 100% and they give all the effort, it doesn’t matter where we end up with the season. It doesn’t matter how that game ends. (What matters is) that we can hold our heads up high; we gave everything we had out on the field and have no regrets,” Bangs said.  

Wahluke Boys Baseball Schedule

Sat Mar 15 @ College Place High School 11 a.m./1 p.m. 

Tue Mar 18 Royal High School 3 p.m./5 p.m. 

Sat Mar 22 Connell High School 11 a.m./1 p.m.  

Tue Mar 25 @ Riverside Christian School 3 p.m./5 p.m.  

Sat Mar 29 @ Kiona Benton City High School 11 a.m./1 p.m. 

Sat Apr 5 Columbia High School (Burbank) 11 a.m./1 p.m. 

Sat Apr 12 Zillah High School 11 a.m./1 p.m. 

Sat Apr 19 @ Naches Valley High School 11 a.m./1 p.m. 

Sat Apr 26 Wapato High School 11 a.m./1 p.m. 

Tue Apr 29 @ Cashmere High School 3 p.m./5 p.m. 

    A Wahluke player finishes the follow through on a hefty swing during Friday’s practice as his teammates watch. Head Baseball Coach Chet Bangs said he wants the players to watch each other and their opponents and communicate for more successful plays this year.
  

    Swinging for the ball with intention is part of the training Warriors baseball players are undergoing in prep for the 2025 season.