Chapin baseball reloads

By WORTHY EVANS

Contributing Writer

Columbia - The Chapin baseball team got the season started with a bang. The Eagles won the IP Classic in Georgetown that played out March 6-9, beating James Island 10-5, Laurens 10-0, T.L. Hanna 8-4, and then beating Daniel 8-6 in the championship game. Senior first baseman Campbell Todd was named tournament MVP, and senior catcher Caden Reeves and senior third baseman/No.1 pitcher Ty Harper made the all-tournament team.

Those three seniors lead the Eagles who finished 23-7 last year and look to finish with a run in the playoffs that was longer than last season’s early exit in the district tournament round.

“We lost pretty much most of our pitching staff and outfield, all of them signed to play college baseball,” longtime head coach Scott McLeod said. “We’re rebuilding around those three starters, but we really have a good team. We have seven seniors who are good returning guys, guys with a lot of grit and good kids who can play well and pitch. I’m feeling pretty good about the season.”

Reeves recently signed to play for Troy in Alabama.

“He’s not only a threat with a bat but he’s also a defensive catcher, and I’m a little prejudiced but I think he’s the best in the state,” McLeod said.

Harper returns at third and is the team’s ace and Todd returns at first and bats in the middle of the lineup.

“Ty was the best pitcher last year and he’s a really good third baseman,” McLeod said. “Campbell’s a big tall kid, hits for average and power.” 

Senior infielders Bobby Gummere at shortstop and Tillman Scheno round out the infield.

“Our infield defense is as good as it’s been, but we’re still putting some pieces together in the outfield,” McLeod said.

Pitching is not a worry.

Behind Harper on the mound is sophomore lefthander Mac Berry, junior Reese Jolly, junior Griff Harper, sophomore Cooper Derrick and junior Charlie Mejia.

“Mac throws really well, as does Griff Harper, who’s a year behind his brother,” McLeod said. “He’s a very solid pitcher who threw well in the classic, along with Cooper and Charlie.”

Senior Tyler Graham is the team’s closer.

Among others, sophomore Brewer Haggard threw in all four Classic games.

“Pitching isn’t an issue, and our infield defense is pretty good, and we can swing it good,” McLeod said. “We’ve just got to figure out the outfield.”

The Eagles will find out how they fit in Region 4-5A pretty soon. State champion Lexington looks to return to the final series, while Dutch Fork and White Knoll break in new coaches—Darren Jones for the Silver Foxes and Dolan Crolley for the Timberwolves—look to revitalize those programs.

Three teams—Dutch Fork, River Bluff, and the Wildcats—have won state championships since 2019.

“Lexington is solid. Brian Hucks always has a good team. They’re always the team to beat in the region, but White Knoll is much improved, and River Bluff and Dutch Fork are good, and Irmo is off to a good start.”