The 2022 baseball campaign was a rebuilding year for the Marietta High School Indians. They won only five games throughout the year, and this year’s goal is to win more games than last season.
The Indians are coached by Assistant Principal Ron Norman, who’s had a long and successful career coaching baseball. Norman is one of those coaches who knows how to develop players and get the best out of them, which he’ll need to do if the team is to reach its goal.
According to Norman, this year’s team is going to be led by three seniors: Jonathan Lohmeyer, Parker Pharr, and Antonio de la Torre.
“John will pitch for us and both Parker and Antonio will make a big contribution throughout the season,” Norman said. “They just came out of basketball, and they’re working to catch up.”
Norman will also look to sophomore Caden Irwin. Irwin will have a share in the pitching duties and also play as an infielder, as well as hitting in the top part of the lineup.
Junior Curry Walters will return as a starting infielder. Walters hit over .400 last year and is expected to build on his success at the plate.
Brad Kirk, a returning sophomore, will move from outfield to infield this season.
“Brad will solidify us defensively at first base,” Norman remarked, “and when he gets on base, he as the speed to be an offensive weapon stealing bases.”
The secret weapon of the Indians’ season will be my freshman Luis Rodriguez, a middle infielder who will additionally carry part of the team’s pitching load.
“Luis throws the ball well, probably has the most velocity of anyone on our team,” stated Norman, “and he will also hit in the top four of our lineup. He’s got a lot of power and we look for great things from Luis.”
In Rodriguez’s first at bat in a varsity scrimmage, he hit a two-run homer, so his premier season with the Indians could be something to see.
The Indians were due to open their season during the first week of March, but weather delays have meant that they didn’t really ramp up until the Madill Tournament, played in Madill and Whitesboro, Texas on March 9 through 11.
“Last year we were trying to build a program, and we will continue to do that this year,” Norman said. “We would like to double our win total. I don’t want to speculate, but it’s doable if the kids are willing to work hard enough to get it done.”