2020 Team Preview: Ellensburg Baseball

Note: The WIAA announced the cancellation of spring sports on April 6th. As a tribute to the 2020 baseball season, we will continue posting these team previews. 

Key Players 

Davis Spencer P/OF - Spencer is one of the state’s top overall pitching prospects in the 2020 class. He’s a 6-foot-6, 230-pound flamethrower, who boasts a well-rounded arsenal. He'll play his college ball at the University of Washington. 

Max Burnum P/IF - High expectations are being placed on Burnum to emerge as a star on the mound. He’s also projected to hold down one of the outfield spots. On a senior starved roster, Burnum has really stepped up as a vocal leader. 

Ryker Fortier P/IF - Fortier is a rising sophomore, who will be expected to hold down the all important shortstop position. He's got nice range, and utilizes his quickness well when on the basepath. Look for Fortier to pitch some innings as well.  

Overview 

When the iconic Ellensburg Pinstripes uniforms take the diamond, you know you’re about to see some high quality baseball.  

It’s a program deeply rooted in winning tradition, and it’s a tradition that’s held up quite well to this day. Over the past four years, they’ve accumulated a 75-19 record, and taken home two state titles during that span.  

The motto of this ball club is always going to be reload, never rebuild. But it can’t be denied this is going to be a very young lineup set to be rolled out on opening day. This past season, they graduated seven seniors. 

The senior leading the charge for the Bulldogs this season is going to be their bonafide ace, Davis Spencer. He’s determined to win every one of his starts this year. It’s a tall order, but if anyone in the CWAC can do it, it’s Spencer. 

But as it goes in high school baseball, your pitching staff is only as good as it’s number two, three, and four guys. 

The Ellensburg coaching staff is eager to take a look at some of these young arms during the early part of the season. A few hurlers to look out for would be Max Burnum, Ryker Fortier, Gavin Gibson, Riley Gibson, John Beard, and Jacob Roseberry. 

Commanding the middle infield is going to be Fortier at shortstop, and a rotation of junior Jacob Roseberry and sophomore Cade Gibson at second base. Whoever emerges at the plate between those two will likely start seeing the lion's share of reps.

Projected at third base is senior Gavin Gibson. He made spot starts as a junior, but is now eager to handle full time responsibilities. Gibson prides himself on taking a smart approach at the plate. 

First base is still a bit of a revolving door, with a lot of younger guys hungry to earn time. Whoever can hit best will quickly separate themselves. 

What might be the most difficult position group to replace is the three outfield spots, as all three starters graduated. According to senior Max Burnum, they are excited for the opportunity to surprise some people.

Burnum will see looks out there, and also Joe Ewald, Cody Fields, Riley Gibson, and Liam Lavalley. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of chemistry develops in this group. 

Projection

A lot of teams around the CWAC will look at Ellensburg’s young roster, and be chomping at the bit to take advantage. If there’s a team that can handle this however, it would be Ellensburg, as they’re used to having a target on their back. Should a legit number two arm emerge behind Spencer, there’s enough bats here to make this a high potential team. Even when they’re not at ‘peak’ form, it’s never a good idea to bet against Ellensburg Baseball.

Key Games

Selah 

East Valley

Othello