News Summary

As the Charleston High School baseball team gears up for the 2025 season, there is palpable excitement in the community. With a record of 14-16 last season, the Trojans are aiming higher, looking to improve from their third place finish in the Apollo Conference. Manager Daniel Bennett emphasizes the need for improvement and a fresh start this season, particularly on defense. The team will start their conference play with a doubleheader on April 5, and the return of several key seniors adds to their potential for success as they strive for a playoff victory.

Charleston High School Baseball Team Gears Up for 2025 Season

Charleston, a vibrant city bursting with community spirit, is buzzing with excitement as the Charleston High School baseball team prepares to kick off their 2025 season. After finishing the previous season with a record of 14-16, the Trojans are eager to step up their game and aim for bigger accomplishments this time around.

The Trojans wrapped up last season ranking third in the Apollo Conference, managing to secure a conference record of 5-5. Over the past few years, they’ve seen flecks of success with fifth-place finishes in both 2023 and 2021, and they experienced a shining moment when they clinched second place in 2022. But now, it’s all about turning those near successes into victories.

A Drive for Improvement

Manager Daniel Bennett has made it clear that the team has plenty to prove this season. For the past four years, they’ve been hovering around a .500 record, and it’s time to shake things up. They are looking for a fresh start, kicking off conference play on April 5 with a doubleheader against Mattoon. Adding some extra spice to the calendar, they will also face reigning conference champions Mahomet-Seymour on April 19—a match fans are eagerly anticipating!

Charleston is setting its sights on making a serious run in the playoffs. The memory of their last postseason win is still fresh, a triumphant victory in the 2021 Illinois High School Association Class 3A Sectional finals against Triad. Prior to that win, they impressively advanced through three games in their pathway toward the sectional championship. Yet, the disappointment of not winning a postseason game in four years has driven this team’s ambitions. Focusing on achieving a victory in this elusive postseason is now their top priority.

Building on Defense

One of the most improved areas for the Trojans this season is their defense. Practices have shown great promise, with players well-prepared and executing plays effectively. The power hitters from last season, particularly seniors Aidan Archibald and Brett Spour, both contributed significantly to the team’s overall homers, with Archibald hitting an impressive eight home runs alone. As a team, they totaled 13 home runs. But this season, the strategy is shifting away from just hitting powerfully to enhancing batting averages and bringing speed to the bases. Last season, the team executed a remarkable 40 stolen bases, showcasing their agility.

Return of the Seniors

With several seniors returning to the squad, Charleston has strong potential thanks to their experience. Among them is Luke Bonnstetter, who brings both energy and enthusiasm to the team as he returns as a senior outfielder and right-handed pitcher. His optimism is infectious as he highlights the combined strength of the returning players along with the successes from their junior varsity team. Furthermore, the team’s camaraderie stands out—building solid relationships and supporting one another has become the heartbeat of the Trojans.

A New Season Begins

The anticipation is palpable as Charleston’s first game of the season is just around the corner, set to take place at home against Champaign Centennial High School on March 17 at 4:30 p.m. As the season unfolds, fans will be looking on with bated breath, hoping to see their beloved Trojans transform determination and strong relationships into victories on the diamond. Here’s to a thrilling 2025 season!

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