Kandel, Ringler take special All-TG Baseball honors
ASHLAND — Here are your 2023 All-Times-Gazette Baseball Teams.
Player of the Year
Nick Kandel, Hillsdale. Kandel was an All-TG Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2022 (8-2, 1.46) and the All-TG Pitcher of the Year in 2021 (4-1, 1.18).
He can top off his senior season as Player of the Year.
Kandel hit .427 with 8 doubles and a trio of triples. He added 1 HR, 25 RBIs, scored 32 runs and stole 18 bases.
On the hill Kandel went 5-2 over 49 innings allowing just 21 hits, 8 earned runs and a whopping 75 strikeouts (1.5 per inning pitched.)
He was also a 1st Team WCAL selection and a 1st Team All-Ohioan.
“Nick is such a competitor,” began Hillsdale coach Jason Snow. “He wants to be the best all the time. He is harder on himself than anyone. He plays so much ball that he expects to win all the time.”
Pitcher of the Year
Jarek Ringler, Crestview. Ringler was outstanding everywhere for the 20-5 Cougars in 2023. The junior was 7-1 and registered 3 saves for the 14-0 conference Champions. He had an ERA if 1.66 and finished with 67 strikeouts in 54.2 innings (1.24 per inning). He was named to the 1st Team District 9 and 1st Team FC.
“Jarek works hard and puts in the time it takes to be a great ballplayer,” said Crestview Athletic Director Tim Kuhn. “His best attribute though is his calm demeanor.”
Hitter of the Year
Karl Ferber, South Central. A 1st Team All-Ohio Selection, Ferber hit .474 with a .613 OBP. In 80 plate appearances, Ferber struck out only 1 time all season and walked 18 times. He knocked in 21 runs, scored 14 times and stole 15 bases. Ferber was also a 1st Team All-District 9 and 1st Team FC selection.
“Karl’s mentality and approach he brings to the game is far above anyone I’ve seen in high schools sports,” said South Central coach Nick Kirk. “From mentoring the underclassmen to putting in extra work, he’s the definition of a leader who leads by example.”
Coach of the Year
Don Keener, Crestview. Keener led the Cougars to a perfect 14-0 record in the rugged Firelands Conference and a sparkling 20-5 record overall. It was the first FC title since 2011. Crestview was eliminated in the tournament by No. 1 seed Edison, 7-0 in a Div. III district semifinal contest.
“As the longest tenured coach at Crestview, Coach Keener is very dedicated to the community and to our athletic programs,” said Kuhn. “His countless years of service and tutelage to our student athletes is greatly appreciated and often goes unnoticed.”
First Team
Jon Metzger, Ashland. Metzger hit an even .400 with 16 RBIs and scored 20 runs. He also added a pair of doubles and 2 triples.
Jake Hoverstock, Hillsdale. The Falcon senior hit .422 with 13 doubles, 24 RBIs, 14 SB and found time to score 35 runs as well. And he was also 5-1 on the mound with a 1.47 ERA.
Daniel Painter, Hillsdale. Painter hit .375 with 6 doubles, 25 RBIs and scored another 25 times.
Jake Hoverstock, Hillsdale. Hoverstock hit .422 with 13 doubles, 24 RBIs and scored 35 times. He also stole 14 bases. On the mound he was 5-1 with 34 K’s and a 1.47 ERA.
Matt Sprang, Loudonville. The junior helped lead the resurgent Redbirds with a .365 BA on 31 hits, 6 2B, 17 RS and 20 RBIs. He was also 4-2 on the mound with a 2.79 ERA.
Eric Sanders, South Central. Sanders hit .393 with 16 RBIs and 18 RS for the Trojans. He also stole 20 bases and was caught stealing just once.
Owen Barker, Crestview. The Cougar senior was a 2nd Team All-Ohioan and 2nd Team District 9 and a 1st Team FC. He batted .400 with 9 2Bs, 2 HRs and 25 RBIs. He also scored 28 runs and stole 20 bases.
Tyson Ringler, Crestview. The sophomore was a 1st Team FC pick and HM District 9 selection. The 2-way player hit .404 with 6 2Bs and 23 RBIs with a .474 OBP. On the mound he was 4-1 with 1 save and a miniscule 0.55 ERA in 25.1 innings.
Brandon Barnette, Northwestern. Barnette had a solid season on the mound for the Huskies with a 2.98 ERA and 1 save to go with his 48 strikeouts. He also hit .333 on the season with 8 doubles.
Second Team
Kamden Mowry, Luke Bryant, Ashland; Jax Rogers, Braylen Jarvis, Hillsdale;
Judah Layton, Baylor Weiser, Boe Weiser, Loudonville. Aaron Hauler, South Central; Mathew Volz, Mason Ringler, Crestview; Jacoby Gilbert, Northwestern; Carter Eibel, New London; Kollin Cline, Zack Wrobleski, Cole Vermilya, Mapleton.
Honorable Mention
Ethan Bruce, Logan Fulk, Ashland; Jack Fickes, Hillsdale; Gunner Ray, Alex Hammons, South Central; Cade St. Clair, Aaron Hales, Northwestern; Peyton Gatzemeyer, New London; Blake Benner, Mapleton.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Kandel, Ringler take special All-TG Baseball honors
