East Central Indiana baseball: 16 breakout players from the 2023 season
MUNCIE, Ind. — Opening day of high school baseball presents a chance for athletes to reach impressive heights for themselves and their teams.
A number of East Central Indiana baseball standouts capitalized on the opportunities that the 2023 campaign provided, exhibiting notable improvements from previous seasons.
Here are some of the area’s top breakout performers on the diamond this season:
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Meryck Adams (Daleville, junior pitcher / infielder)
Although the Broncos’ 5-0 start eventually gave way to a 6-11 finish to the season, Adams’ individual success never relented.
The Daleville junior was admirable offensively, but his most impressive efforts came on the mound. In 68 innings of work, the Broncos hurler recorded a team-best 1.24 ERA and struck out 107 batters — the eighth most in the state in 2023. Adams’ staggering statistics mark a sizable leap from last season as he posted a 7.13 ERA and 37 K in 2022.
The All-Mid-Eastern Conference honoree’s most accomplished outing was his 12-strikeout, one-hit complete game shutout against Anderson Prep in sectional play.
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Jace Allen (Winchester, sophomore pitcher / outfielder)
Winchester enjoyed its first-ever trip to semistate this season, and Allen’s pitching dominance was a major factor in the Golden Falcons’ run.
In the postseason alone, Allen pitched 27 innings, mounted three complete game efforts and surrendered just four runs. The right-hander’s gaudy playoff stat lines epitomized his improvements from last season. Allen earned limited time on the mound as a freshman — just three innings — but his sophomore season saw a strong 2.22 ERA and 56 K's across 75.2 innings.
The Winchester ace’s top outing came against state-ranked Lapel in the sectional title game as he tossed a two-hit complete game shutout.
From head coach Ken Hendrickson: “Jace Allen went from playing JV his freshman year to our No. 1 varsity pitcher his sophomore year because of his offseason training. He hit the weights and worked hard on his pitching. He hits his spots in the zone and adjusts speeds well which keeps the batters off balance.”
Travis Bunch (Wes-Del, senior pitcher / infielder)
Wes-Del baseball blazed a historic trail to semistate this spring, a run which was headlined by Bunch’s breakthrough season.
Bunch has been a significant contributor since 2021, but his senior season production greatly exceeded that of previous years. A true two-way player, he was both the Warriors ace and premier slugger. In the batter’s box, the Wes-Del star posted a .343 batting average (up from .264 in 2022) and notched career highs in RBI (34) and home runs (seven). On the bump, the All-MEC honoree hurled a team-high 78.2 innings, over which he lowered his ERA from 6.16 last season to 2.05 in 2023.
Bunch’s 14-strikeout complete game against Southern Wells on May 24 was arguably his most influential outing as it set the tone for the Warriors’ spirited postseason.
From head coach Daniel Hanson: “Travis as a senior was a great leader for our team and stepped up tremendously for us on the mound this year and being our leadoff hitter. Travis did a great job throwing strikes and mixing multiple pitches for strikes. I couldn’t be any prouder of the year Travis had and what he meant to our team and program as a whole. Great young man.”
Zane Cline (Delta, sophomore pitcher / shortstop)
Delta had just two seniors on its roster this season, forcing the Eagles’ youth to step into critical roles. Cline was perhaps Delta’s most impactful underclassman.
The Delta star saw varsity action as a freshman, starting in the infield for most of 2022. Though Cline enjoyed success as a position player, he emerged as one of the area’s top pitchers this season. After seeing the mound just once last year, the young right-hander was brilliant in 2023, earning a 0.85 ERA and 92 K's over just 57.1 innings.
Cline’s breakout season on the mound was punctuated by a one-hit, 14-strikeout complete game effort against Wes-Del on May 11.
From head coach Devin Wilburn: “Zane really made a big jump on the mound for us this year … He worked really hard this offseason in the weight room and gained a ton of velocity where now he’s all of a sudden throwing 85 mph instead of mid to upper 70s that we saw as a freshman … Scott Baker, our pitching coach, deserves a ton of credit for helping with Zane’s development into one of the best pitchers around and we are really excited to see what he has in store the next two years.”
Paul Fisher (Wapahani, senior designated hitter)
An unsuccessful rehab process after a 2022 shoulder surgery rendered Fisher unable to throw a baseball during his senior season. Despite his limitations, he still posted an exceptional year.
The Wapahani star was the Raiders’ permanent designated hitter due to his injury, and he excelled. Fisher was comfortable at the dish all spring, recording career highs in batting average (.389), RBI (20) and hits (35). His hit total even equaled that of his last two seasons’ totals combined.
Fisher’s triumphant senior season featured 10 multi-hit outings, none more impactful than his two-hit, three-RBI game in Wapahani’s 7-6 win over Winchester in May.
From head coach Brian Dudley: “He not only was our DH again, but also led us in hitting throughout the season. More importantly, his toughness allowed him to be our best hitter. He was always a tough out and a very competitive kid at the plate. He also showed tremendous leadership in especially helping our freshman catcher, Quentine James, improve immensely during the year.”
Gavin Frazier (New Castle, junior utility / pitcher)
New Castle baseball saw a talented senior class graduate in 2022, which left holes throughout its lineup. Frazier filled the void left by the program’s departures and then some.
Frazier appeared in 24 games as a sophomore but struggled to find hits, posting just a .213 batting average. This season, the Trojans junior exhibited a fierce offensive approach, earning a .407 batting average and smashing 10 extra-base hits. His arm was also a factor this year as he put in an admirable 34.2 innings on the mound.
On April 12, Frazier smacked three doubles and knocked in two runs against Rushville — the finest performance of his breakthrough season.
From head coach Jody Gray: “(Frazier has) talent on both offense and defense, but his most improved area was his pitching … (He is an) overall great talent, but showed flashes of being a great leader, both skills that will find him playing Div. I baseball in a couple of years.”
Trenton French (Muncie Central, senior catcher / pitcher)
French, an Indiana Wesleyan football commit, led the Bearcats to an improved season on the gridiron last fall. This spring, he was a part of a Central baseball squad that posted its most wins in six years.
The Bearcats senior is no stranger to turnaround seasons, something that is also reflected in his individual statlines. Offensively, French posted more hits (23), RBI (19) and home runs (3) than ever before in his career. On the mound, the two-way star saw a major improvement in his ERA, going from 5.15 in 2022 to 3.74 in 2023.
Arguably the finest game of his career came on April 25, when French slapped five hits and drove in five runs against Burris.
Garrett Grim (Blue River, senior pitcher / shortstop)
One of Indiana’s top performers on the baseball field this season came from Henry County as Blue River’s Grim enjoyed a season for the ages.
The Vikings star posted a season batting average above .300 in 2021 and 2022, but his 2023 production was even more remarkable. Grim decimated local pitching as he logged a 0.552 batting average (12th in Indiana), eight home runs (seventh in Indiana) and 36 RBI. The elite slugger also saw little resistance when he toed the rubber, striking out 66 batters across 39.2 innings.
Among Grim’s 13 multi-hit outings, his performance against Cowan on May 16 stands out. Grim went 3-for-4 in the box, launched a home run and hurled four scoreless frames.
Peyton James (Blackford, senior outfielder / pitcher)
The Bruins' 17-12 campaign marked the program’s first winning season since 2019, a feat which is closely tied to James’ emergence.
The two-way star entered the season without ever suiting up for the red and black, but he maximized his sole year representing Blackford. James was immediately an offensive force, boasting a .395 batting average and 31 RBI at season’s end. The Bruins senior also flexed his pitching muscle, using his velocity to fan 50 batters in just 36.1 innings of work.
James displayed steady improvements throughout the year, a progression which was highlighted by a seven-strikeout, three-hit complete game against Madison-Grant on May 4.
From head coach Tony Uggen: “He had an early rough start, so we tried to put him in situations that weren't stressful to give him opportunities to work through it … After the season was over, the entire staff was happy with Peyton's production offensively and defensively and, for the most part, on the mound … We are certainly glad that Peyton joined us. He made a big impact on this team.”
Grayson Mealy (Wes-Del, sophomore catcher / infielder)
Wes-Del’s Mealy was comfortable at the plate this season, both behind it and in the batter’s box. The Warriors sophomore’s catching pedigree and hitting skills were pivotal in his team's postseason run.
Mealy posted a notable offensive line (.430 BA, 19 RBI, 24 hits) as a freshman, and he built upon it in his second varsity season. In 2023, the Warriors three-hole hitter led his team in batting average (.430) and hits (46), and added two home runs and 30 RBI.
Mealy was named to the All-MEC team this season, a campaign which was highlighted by a 3-for-4, four-RBI outing against Randolph Southern on April 20.
From head coach Daniel Hanson: “Grayson jumped leaps and bounds from last year as a freshman … His development as a defensive catcher was remarkable in one year, which was huge for our pitchers and defense especially at the 1A level. As a hitter, Grayson hit in the three-hole for us all year and led us in various offensive categories … We are thrilled at the year Grayson had and glad we have him two more years. ”
Dylan McDaniel (Shenandoah, senior pitcher / first baseman)
Shenandoah enjoyed a 22-win season, making the Raiders the winningest ECI program in 2023. At the squad’s winning core was the stellar season from McDaniel.
The Shenandoah senior was one of the area’s top pitchers in 2022, earning a 2.57 ERA and amassing 106 K's. Though he finished shy of his 2022 strikeout total, McDaniel surpassed the lofty benchmark that he set as a junior — pitching to a stingy 0.85 ERA and tossing 104 K's across 66 frames. His pitching dominance was also met with an offensive surge as he saw improvements in batting average (.325), RBI (29) and home runs (four).
McDaniel tended to shine against tough competition, which is best represented by his one-hit, complete game shutout against Lapel on May 9.
From head coach Ryan Painter: “It was no surprise that Dylan had success this season, but what did shock us a little was how successful he was … He was our leader, our team was at our best when he was on the mound. He commanded the attention of his teammates and he got the best out of them when he pitched. Not a bad guy to have at the plate for our team either.”
Sam Myers (Jay County, junior third baseman / pitcher)
Though Jay County saw a slight dip in the win-loss column this season — finishing 13-14 — Myers was a consistent threat this spring.
The Patriots slugger paced his team in every major offensive statistical category: batting average (.459), RBI (28), home runs (three) and on-base percentage (.505). These marks topped his already strong line from 2022 (.348 BA, nine RBI, one HR). Myers also shined on the mound this season, logging a 2.70 ERA through 36.1 innings.
The rising senior manufactured one of ECI’s top hitting performances against Mississenewa on April 8, cranking five hits — two for extra bases — and five RBI.
From head coach Todd Farr: “Sam became one of those guys for us who would do anything to help his team succeed … Sam's leadership was outstanding for us and he knew he had to work at his craft day in and day out, not just show up and play. We are extremely grateful we get at least one more season with him.”
Carter Mullen (Muncie Burris, junior first baseman / pitcher)
The Indiana Academy has long fed athletic talent to Burris’ athletic programs, and Mullen contributes to that legacy.
The junior suited up for Burris for the first time in 2023 after enrolling in the Academy this school year, and he quickly emerged as one of the top local hitters. Mullen led his team in batting average (.523), on-base percentage (0.596), RBI (12) and stolen bases (22). The tenacious hitter was also the Owls’ most relied-upon pitcher this year, tossing 24.1 innings.
Mullen’s accomplished debut season for Burris was highlighted by a four-hit, five-RBI offensive clinic against Liberty Christian on April 18.
From head coach Nathan Bailey: "Carter from day one showed up everyday working to get better with his game … Carter was willing to put in the work and he listened to the coaching staff as he learned these new positions and you could really see his development blossom … I really enjoyed getting to know this young man and he has few limits on what he can do not only in baseball, but in the future this young man has."
Collin Osenbaugh (Shenandoah, sophomore shortstop / pitcher)
The spotlight has followed Osenbaugh since committing to Louisville before ever appearing in a high school game. The phenom’s Shenandoah debut was delayed until this season due to an injury, and he did not disappoint.
The prized recruit was a key contributor in all facets of the game. Osenbaugh swung a hot bat, recording a team-leading batting average (.395) and driving in an impressive 28 runs. As a key piece of the Raiders’ pitching staff, he recorded a 1.71 ERA, punched out 90 batters and held opposing hitters to a .096 batting average.
Osenbaugh’s finest performance in 2023 came against Monroe Central on April 18, when he drove in a pair of runs at the plate, and tossed a five-inning no-hitter in the run-rule win.
From head coach Ryan Painter: “It was a grueling freshman year for Collin in 2022, spending the entire season in a cast recovering from Tommy John surgery. So once he finally got the opportunity to play his sophomore season, he was eager and determined to succeed … Spending an entire year off the ball field, it takes some time to find your timing and mechanics, so while he was successful in helping us to a 22-4 record this season, there is definitely more to come for him as a junior and senior.”
Cole Temple (Yorktown, senior shortstop / pitcher)
Yorktown’s Temple was the lone ECI player to be invited to participate in the North-South All-Star Weekend, an honor he received after a strong senior campaign.
The Trine signee was both the Tigers' aggressive leadoff hitter and their preeminent ace in 2023. Temple saw his numbers skyrocket from their 2022 marks at the plate this season, posting an over 100-point increase in his batting average (.330 to .442) and smacking nine more hits (29 to 38). The Yorktown senior also saw his highest usage on the mound, tossing career-high innings (42.1) and strikeout (40) marks.
Temple’s rise was marked by a plethora of outstanding games, none more impressive than his 4-for-4, two RBI outing against Pendleton Heights on April 7.
From head coach PJ Fauquher: “Cole was our best offensive player, our top pitcher, our shortstop and team leader. He has put together three great seasons for us, each better than the last. It’s all a credit to him and the hard work he has put in over the years.”
Seth Watson (Cowan, senior outfielder)
Cowan’s 2022 class was accomplished, leading two sectional-title efforts. Filling the void left by the class’s departure, Watson enjoyed one of the most profound ascents in local baseball this season.
Prior to this year, the Blackhawks senior saw limited action (just 16 total plate appearances in his first two varsity campaigns). In his final season dawning the black and gold, Watson hit a team-high batting average (.358), knocked in 16 RBI and logged seven multi-hit games.
An All-MEC honoree, Watson’s top outing came against conference foe Eastern Hancock on April 13, hitting 4-for-4, smacking two RBI and scoring three runs.
Follow Adam Altobella on Twitter @AltobellaAdam.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: ECI IHSAA baseball: 16 breakout players from the 2023 season
