Cheboygan area baseball players to watch during 2023 season

If there’s one thing we’ve seen over these last few springs, it’s that there’s a ton – and I mean a ton – of baseball talent around this area.

Whether it’s Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway or Pellston, all of these schools have produced some quality players.

With baseball season underway, let’s take a look at some of the Cheboygan area players to watch for during the 2023 campaign.

CHEBOYGAN 

Jacob Jankoviak, Senior – One of last year’s district final heroes is back to lead the Chiefs as a senior this season. Jankoviak will be Cheboygan’s ace on the mound this spring, but he’ll also bring a very solid bat and could play multiple positions in the infield.

Dylan Balazovic, Junior – Returns to play catcher, a position he’s started at since he joined the Cheboygan varsity team as a freshman. Arguably Cheboygan’s best returning player, Balazovic has been terrific behind the plate and is also one of the team’s best hitters.

Eli Couture, Senior – This Cheboygan senior is one of the best athletes on the team. Will lead the Cheboygan outfield as a starting centerfielder, while also batting leadoff and providing offense for the Chiefs.

Sean Postula, Sophomore – It’s not too often where you’ll see a freshman player make immediate contributions on the varsity team, but Postula did so last spring as Cheboygan’s starting third baseman. This season, he’ll spend time at different positions in the infield, pitch, and also be one of Cheboygan’s top hitters.

INLAND LAKES 

Connor Wallace, Junior – Coming off a sophomore season in which he earned all-state first team honors, Wallace is back as arguably the best pitcher in the area. Not only is he dominant on the mound, Wallace is also a stellar centerfielder and one of the best offensive players for the Bulldogs.

Kaden Hansel, Senior – When Wallace isn’t pitching, Hansel will lead the Bulldogs as a strong No. 2. Will occupy the shortstop position when he’s not on the mound. One of the best bats the Bulldogs have, but it’s the 1-2 pitching duo of Wallace and Hansel that will make it difficult for Inland Lakes' Ski Valley rivals.

Jake Willey, Junior – Another versatile player for the Bulldogs, Willey can make contributions at just about every position on the field. Meanwhile, he will be a force to be reckoned with offensively as one of the best and most powerful hitters on the team.

Payton Teuthorn, Junior – Returns after being a major contributor for the Bulldogs during their Ski Valley title winning campaign a season ago. Can play anywhere in the infield, will provide a strong bat, and will be one of the Bulldogs’ main leaders as they look to have more success this spring.

MACKINAW CITY 

Lars Huffman, Senior – After not playing his junior season due to a knee injury, Huffman is back as the Comets’ ace on the mound this season. Not only will he be effective as a pitcher, Huffman’s offense will also be key in how far the Comets go this season.

Nick Vieau, Junior – A returning catcher who has earned all-district and all-conference honors in the past, Vieau is a top-caliber player for the Comets. Will also see time at shortstop, pitcher, and help fuel the Comets as a powerful hitter.

Sabastian Pierce, Junior – When Huffman isn’t on the mound, Pierce will likely be pitching as the No. 2 for the Comets. Returns for the Comets after earning All-Northern Lakes first team honors as a sophomore.

ONAWAY 

Tucker Price, Senior – One of those versatile players who will likely see many positions on the field. Offensively, he’s a very capable bat for the Cardinals, who are looking to establish themselves as a top Ski Valley team.

Cole Selke, Junior – Will be counted on to deliver on the mound for the Cardinals, especially with senior pitcher Bridger Peel not playing this season due to injury. Offensively, Selke is one of the more dangerous hitters in the lineup. Will likely see time at multiple positions in the field.

Austin Veal, Junior – While Selke is Onaway’s top right-handed pitcher, Veal, a lefty, is back to give the Cardinals strength in their rotation. When he’s not pitching, Veal will likely be at first base. As a hitter, Veal has plenty of power and will be crucial for the Cardinals.

PELLSTON 

Garrett Cameron, Senior – Just a flat-out gamer, Cameron’s shown in the past that’s he's strong no matter what position he’s playing. And at the plate, he’s just as exciting as one of Pellston’s most powerful offensive players. If the Hornets end up having a strong season, he’ll be a huge reason why.

Zack Moyer, Senior – It seems like he’s been around the Pellston program forever, but Moyer is back to pitch his senior season with the Hornets. He was the Hornets’ ace last year and will once again be their ace this spring. Offensively, he’s dangerous and capable of coming up with big hits when called upon.

Chris Dankert, Senior – Returning as Pellston’s starting catcher, Dankert is one of the senior leaders for a Hornets team that’s being guided by first-year head coach Matt Zulski. Will provide the Hornets with strong defense behind the plate, while also contributing in a big way offensively.

OTHERS TO WATCH: Brennan Bradley (Cheboygan), Evan Brantley (Cheboygan), Blake Blaskowski (Cheboygan), Grant Blumke (Inland Lakes), Aidan Fenstermaker (Inland Lakes), Logan McMullen (Inland Lakes), Trystan Swanson (Mackinaw City), Lucas Bergstrom (Mackinaw City), Connor Robertson (Mackinaw City), Cody Ruppert (Onaway), Jack Morgan (Onaway), Luke Lovelace (Onaway), Jacob Willis (Pellston), Aiden Klungle (Pellston), Jack Schmalzried (Pellston)

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan area baseball players to watch during 2023 season