The NOC Enid Jets open the 2024 season tomorrow afternoon in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, against Southeast Arkansas College in a four-game series Thursday and Friday.
The Jets (30-30) last season are under the tutelage of new head coach Ryan Bay. Bay, who replaced Scott Mansfield, comes to NOC Enid from NOC Tonkawa.
Bay is excited about his 2024 team.
"This team is hard working, coachable and hungry to win," Bay said. "The pieces are in place to be a very competitive ball club. I think we have a very athletic and versatile team."
Bay said the strength of the Jets' squad is pitching depth and offensive versatility.
"We have pitching depth and the ability to match up with right handed and lefthanded hitting lineups," he said. "We've got a nice mix of quality arms on the left and right side. We have offensive versatility with several hitters that can play multiple positions. Again, a nice mix of hitters from the both sides of the plate which allows us to match up well and put our offense in a good position to score runs."
Although Bay said he likes the team's pitching depth he added that his staff's health is critical.
"We have 13 quality arms which is all you need as long as everyone stays healthy," he said. "If we have multiple guys miss time due to injury that could be a problem."
Bay said he plans to play a number of different lineups this season.
"We will platoon just about everywhere early in the season," Bay added. "Several hitters are deserving of at bats early."
According to Bay, returnees to keep an eye on are infielder Kade Goeke, outfielder Owen Tracy and catcher Jase White. Transfers Jesse Ponce, Kale Miller and Gabe Hamilton will impact the left side of the Jets' infield. Freshmen BJ Pierre should impact in the OF and at the top of our lineup and freshman Cooper Smith should impact the offense as a switch hitting 1B/DH in the middle of the lineup. Freshman Jhett Creel is another lefthanded bat that will also see significant time at catcher and first base.
The weekend rotation for the Jets includes Cooper Smith, Jabe Schlehuber, Aaron Baker, and Christian Estep.
Bay is excited to compete in Region 2, always one of the toughest leagues in the nation.
"Region 2 is always competitive and this year will be no different," Bay concluded. "You have to show up every weekend and play your best baseball. Anything less than that and you're probably getting beat."