By Jonesy:
Record-breaking 42 victories. National Pitcher of the Year. NCAA Division III Championship. Linfield achieved all three and so much more in a season to remember.
Championed by three All-Americans but fueled by a preeminent sense of team, the Wildcats had both the talent and the mentality befitting of the nation’s top ballclub.
Chris Haddeland (15-1, 1.07 ERA, 96 Ks), Tim Wilson (.401, 87 hits, 31 SB) and Jake Wylie (.396, 66 RBI, 8 HR) posted astronomical numbers and were deservingly recognized as first team All-Americans.
It was also the unselfish attitude and burning desire to succeed modeled by four seniors – Kyle Chamberlain, Jordan Harlow, Michael Hopp and Wilson – that helped the Wildcats erase the memory of last year’s playoff snub, bringing home the first NCAA title in program history (and third overall, counting NAIA triumphs in 1966 and ‘71) while setting numerous records along the way, including an all-time standard of 42 victories.
The Wildcats are looking to repeat their dominant performance in NWC action that saw them win every weekend series, including five sweeps and capturing the league title by four games with a conference record of 21-3.
The 2014 Wildcats Coaching staff remains the same:
Head Coach Scott Brosius (7th year) (200-72)
Assistant Coach Jim Ray (36th year) primarily responsible for outfielders, baserunning fundamentals and baseball related strength and conditioning.
Assistant Coach Scott Carnahan (7th year)
Assistant Coach Jarvis Gomes (11th year)
Student Assistant Coach Zach Boskovich (1st year)
According to Linfield head coach Scott Brosius there is not a set starting lineup quite yet but these are their top returners:
Kramer Lindell- OF- All Conference
Jake Wylie- OF/C- All Conference, All-region, 1st Team All-American
Nick Fisher- OF- All Conference, All- Region
Clayton Truex- 1B All Conference
Corey VanDomelen- SS- All- Conference
Linfield’s projected starting rotation is as follows:
Chris Haddeland- All Conference, All- Region, 1st Team All-American, Conference and National Pitcher of the year
Aaron Thomassen- All- Conference, All-Region
Zach Brandon
Top relief pitchers include:
Zach Manley, Joe Stevick, Justin Huckins, Garret Speyer, Cody Walker
Top graduations include:
2B Tim Wilson, C Kyle Chamberlain, 3B Jordan Harlow and infielder Michael Hopp
Linfield opens the season in Arizona Feb. 7th-9th and play their first home game at Roy Helser Field Feb. 16th vs. Western Oregon at noon.