A Mix of Experience & Youth has Cyclone Baseball Set for New Season

A Mix of Experience & Youth has Cyclone Baseball Set for New Season -

(5-13-25) – A new season is just around the corner and Harlan Community baseball has unfinished business

Cyclone Coach Heath Stein likes the returning core but knows finding what he has in his younger players will be key.

“Obviously, each season presents new challenges and new faces that guys are going to have to step up and get more innings on the mound or at the dish or wherever it may be. But (we got) a good nucleus coming back, even though we lost 9 seniors last year.”

This spring has had freshman Foxx Argotsinger in leadoff spot, mainly for his ability to get on base. Despite hitting just .154, Argotsinger had an on-base percentage of .421, earning 9 walks and 3 hit by pitches in just 17 games late last year.

“He likes to get on base a lot whether that be via the walk or he's also a good hitter to good bunter, so we've been leading him off trying to set the table.”

Senior Brett Heese brings his team-high .365 average back to the cleanup spot for one final season and, so far this spring, is generating some power as well.

“We like when big guys, like Brett, pulled the ball in the air. So, we've been talking quite a bit about that and in ways that you can attack pitches up front a little bit more so he can get some more pull side power.”

Another senior leader, catcher Hayden Soma, continues to improve at the plate and behind it.

“(During my tenure) there hasn't been a player that has developed as well as Hayden,” said Stein. “He came in very green. He hadn't really caught and then he's developed into one of the best defensive catchers in the state. A really good catch and throw guy. His offensive numbers are deceiving and for the offensive player that he is. I look for him to have a huge year this year.”

The pitching staff is mix of experience and youth, led by crafty lefty veteran Weston Reisz, returning for his senior season after going 6-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 2024. While Colton Schnieder had a solid freshman campaign, with 8 saves and 0.78 ERA in 13 appearances.

“They both look really good. They're throwing the ball in the low to mid 80s, commanding three pitches. So, they've been very sharp, as expected.”

Stein also feels he has some diamonds in the rough that will contribute to this season.

“Joseph Gross has done some good things for us. Gavin Eck. Cade Nelson got some varsity at bats, varsity time last year. He's looked good swinging the bat. Gavin Sisson, I think he just played freshman (ball) last year, but he’s definitely on our varsity list this year. Big, 6-4 right-hander throws the ball well.”

The Harlan Community baseball team will begin their march towards another State Tournament with a doubleheader against Sioux City North on Monday.

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