March 1st means high school baseball in Oklahoma. The Enid Plainsmen went on a historic run to close out their regular season in 2021, winning 19 of their last 20. However, Enid was wedged in the toughest Regional tournament in the state come playoffs, eventually losing to the State Champion Jenks Trojans squad to cut their playoff run short.
In 2022, the Plainsmen will return many impact players, as well as bolstered depth on their pitching staff.
Of course, switch-hitting SS Garrett Shull returns for his sophomore season. Shull batted .384 last season, leading Enid in hits, extra-base hits, RBIs, HRs, and stolen bases. Shull is one of the top players in Oklahoma and is committed to Oklahoma State University after he graduates in 2024. Shull has uncommon power from both sides of the plate, and the 2022 Plainsmen lineup will be built around his bat.
After a break-out year in 2021, McCage Hartling also returns for his sophomore year. Hartling started 2021 on the bench but continued to come through in pinch-hitting situations, eventually carving a spot in the order for his bat. Hartling led Enid in batting with an unreal BA of .411. With Garrett Brooks being graduated, Hartling takes over as Enid’s starting catcher. Hartling has a knack for finding the barrel at the plate with quick hands for pitches on the inner half of the zone, and patience to wait on the off-speed.
Stepping in as Enid’s ace on the bump after Blake Priest’s departure is Jake Kennedy. Kennedy’s velocity has steadily improved throughout his high school career thus far, and his fastball has taken a jump over the past offseason. In his sophomore season, Kennedy lead the Plainsmen with a 1.85 ERA on the season and shook off early struggles with his command to bounce back for a great second half of the season.
These players, as well as other impact Plainsmen such as Aydan Voitik, Seth Carlson make the 2022 Enid Plainsmen baseball season one you do not want to miss. Follow CTBSports on Facebook, Tune in to every Enid Plainsmen Baseball game on CTB Sportsradio 1640/1390 AM, the CTBSports App, or on EnidLive.com!
Enid starts their season today, Tuesday, at 5:30 PM. The Plainsmen will face Piedmont at David Allen Memorial Ballpark. Tune in as Christian Katt and Butch Lingenfelter will be on the call!
