As 2017 wrapped up, Southwestern Head Baseball Coach Kenny Namanny was already preparing for next year by adding four players to his 2018-19 roster.
Meet the Spartan baseball team's newest players:
Dan Kenealy - IF/RHP, Tri-Center
Signed Nov. 9, 2017
Kenealy had a strong summer season at the plate for the Tri-Center Trojans hitting .400 with three doubles and two triples, while knocking in 19 runs. Kenealy also had some impressive numbers on the mound in his 44 two-third innings of work, giving up just 11 earned runs (1.72 ERA) and striking out 42 while walking only 14. Kenealy also helped his team to a 40-14 record during the last two summers. His team had a quarter-final finish in Class 1A his sophomore year.
Coach's comment - "We were more than happy to have Dan start our 2018 class. I think he will be a true dual guy for us as he will compete for time at second base and will also find a role on our pitching staff. He is committed to getting better and we have seen that with the time he has put in already. He has the tools to compete at a high level and I believe he will continue to develop during his two years here at Southwestern."
Quincy Collier – RHP, Davis County
Signed Nov. 30, 2017
Collier has struck out 47 batters during his last 40 one-third innings of work, good for a sub 3.50 ERA over the last two summers, while helping his team to a combined 33-30 record. Collier was also a part of a Class 2A state semi-final team, as a freshman, finishing 25-8 on the season.
Coach's comment - "Quincy is an undersized kid that still possesses some upside. He has a live arm and I'm looking forward to getting him on campus next fall and getting to work. Bullpen depth was an area we wanted to focus on with this class and Quincy will be able to help us with exactly that. Both he and our staff are excited about the opportunity."
Ryan Doran - 1B/RHP, Harlan Community
Signed Dec. 21, 2017
Doran is coming off of a big summer season for the Cyclones hitting .442 with 14 doubles and six homeruns. He was able to knock in 50 runs while helping his team to a 36-3 record and a runner-up finish in Class 3A. According to Prep Baseball Report, Doran is ranked as the fourth best first baseman in the state of Iowa for the 2018 class. He is listed as the 72nd overall prospect.
Coach's comment - "We're excited to bring Ryan in to the Spartan baseball program. He will be someone we can plug into our lineup almost immediately. He is a strong competitor, has a great work ethic, and comes from one of the best baseball programs in the state of Iowa. I look forward to him and Coach Ratz working together. We believe he will contribute to the team right away."
Michael Hart - OF/RHP, Gilbert
Signed Jan. 2, 2018
Michael was a part of a Gilbert team that finished 25-9 last summer.
Coach's comment - "Michael is a kid that has devoted a lot of time to his development as a baseball player, both in his skill work and in the weight room. His work ethic and approach to the game really fits our style and he is a quality addition to our outfield depth. I expect him to finish high school with a strong season this coming summer and carry that momentum into his collegiate career next fall."