With eight returning starters from last year’s 9-22 squad, the Valmeyer High School baseball program is ready to steer the Pirate ship back in the right direction this spring. 

With wins in five of their first seven games, it looks like the waters are at least a little smoother in 2024. The Pirates scored 66 total runs in those games.

“Last year gave us good experience and growth as a team,” Valmeyer head coach Greg Reinhardt said. “We should be much improved and look forward to the season.” 

Leading the way on the mound and at the plate is tall sophomore Luke Blackwell. The righthander is regarded as one of the top pitchers for his class and posted a 3.77 ERA in 48-plus innings last year.

At the plate, Blackwell is sizzling already this spring with an average above .500.

Another key returner is junior speedster Landon Roy. The shortstop hit .326 last season with 35 stolen bases and 27 runs scored.

Returning seniors for the Pirates are third baseman Jake Killy and outfielder Jacob Brown. 

Returning juniors in addition to Roy are infielder/pitcher Jake Coats and pitcher/outfielder Kye Holbrook.

Sophomores being counted on this spring for the Pirates in addition to Blackwell include outfielder/pitcher Ripken Voelker, catcher Chase Snyder and pitcher Gavin Rau.

Reinhardt has also been impressed by freshmen Troy Neff and Evan Hill in the early going.

“We are very athletic and have good pitching depth,” Reinhardt said.  

In addition to the regular season Kaskaskia Division schedule, key games for the Pirates include April 3 at home against Waterloo and April 22 at home against Gibault.