New Year, Same Goal: The '23 Irish Baseball Team

SEATTLE- 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the Irish. Seniors stepping into leadership roles, and underclassmen making an impact in the lineup seems to be the face of the season ahead. The question is, how far will they go?

From sophomores to seniors, this team is full of studs ready to dominate on the diamond in route to a potential state championship game this May. Not only that, these guys have been building the team chemistry made for a successful season, and a team that could possibly hand another banner over the Phil Lumpkin court.

Junior catcher, Luke Klooster weighs in, "Our team is incredibly strong across the board," "We have a lot of returning guys and young up and coming players who have worked their tail off."

Klooster is a returning varsity player, stepping into the challenging role of commanding the infield. "I have some big shoes to fill, coming in for Joe (Joe Githens '22), but I'm excited for the challenges ahead," Klooster states. "My main focus is to play aggressive and keep the run game at bay," "I take pride with my arms ability to do so."

Luke Klooster, throwing down to 2nd base

The Irish play in one of, if not the most competitive conferences in Washington, 3A Metro. But, Klooster shows pure confidence in his teams ability.

"We have what it takes to come out on top, and I'm very excited to be competing alongside these guys."

One of those guys, a previously mentioned up-and-comer, sophomore infielder, Davonn Abaga talks about his goals and aspirations.

"My goal is to win state, and I feel this is very achievable for this group," Abaga states. "As a sophomore, I'll do whatever the team needs, I strive to be the young leader of the team and to keep my guys accountable." But, Abaga looks at this team in a different perspective, "It's more than just a team on the field, we are all teammates for life." "This team is really special, we all play for each other and for a common goal."

Senior pitcher and Gonzaga University commit, Brady Foster, has been striving for that goal since his varsity debut his sophomore year.

"There isn't a lack of talent on this team, we have potential that's through the roof," Foster states. Davonn Abaga, PBR Preseason All-State

The pitching staff this year, led by Foster, is loaded with guys who are promising pieces and ready to make a name for themselves this year. Foster says, "I have high expectations for the pitching staff, not only are they talented, but the guys backing them up make us more confident." "Guys like, Tyler Bugbee or Luke Klooster, as well as myself are guys I'm confident will perform well this year."

The Irish are coming into this year as underrated. They seem to be overlooked by the West Seattles, and the Eastlakes, but they were an underdog in 2009, and we all know how that went.

Brady Foster, Gonzaga University Signee