By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – On the opening day of official practice, the Boys of Spring were forced inside by the Witch of Winter. It’s difficult enough to hit and field a baseball in the best of circumstances, never mind amidst snowflakes and brutal wind.
Weather, whatever. The conditions did not cool off the excitement for the start of Bedford North Lawrence’s intriguing 2026 campaign. There’s plenty of reasons for energy and optimism as the Stars begin the countdown for warmer climate and hot competition.
With a roster highlighted by a deep, experienced junior class, BNL will be a top contender for a first-ever Hoosier Hills Conference title and a possible last-ever Class 4A sectional championship. The shift to 3A (dictated by school enrollment) looms next season, thus the Stars intend to make their exit memorable.
Coming off a 19-7 season, BNL does have key holes to fill. But there’s plenty of talent for the restocking.
“It starts with the guys who played last year, guys who played a significant amount of innings,” BNL coach Steven McNabb said. “There’s a lot of experience, a lot of baseball has been played by those guys. There’s a lot of chemistry and camaraderie. We’re excited for the next step.”
Each season is a series of steps. For BNL, the first is restoring strength up the middle. The departed – super center fielder Cal Gates and catcher Tate Tanksley – were invaluable. Gates, a South All-Star now playing for Indiana University, was a four-year fixture in the lead-off spot who hit .557 and scored 43 runs as a senior. Tanksley hit .440 with 30 RBIs while earning All-HHC honors.
“They probably accounted for 80 percent of what we did, as far as run production at the plate,” McNabb said. “Any time you lose an All-Star at the 4A level, it’s hard to replace. I don’t think it will be any one guy, it will be a collection of guys who have to carry that load. We have to do it as a group and figure it out.”
The second step is taking the roll for the returning. And it’s a lengthy list, with 10 athletes who have considerable varsity innings. BNL’s strength will be on the mound with Cutler Chastain (an Indiana State recruit who went 3-2 with a 2.93 ERA) and Cam Gates (6-0, 1.31).
“We know we will be good at the top of the rotation,” McNabb said. “It’s the back end with the inexperience, but it’s fun to see those guys get that opportunity.”
Third step? Figure out the offense. Gates (who is a Div. I recruit coveted by several programs) will be a key figure after hitting .324 last season. Outfielder Jaden Gilbert (.371) and infielder Jackson Jones will join Grady Dalton, Charlie Keith and Chase Rynders in a loaded junior class.
That leaves seniors Reece Goodgame and J.J. Lirot to battle for spots with sophomores Greyson Gillespie, Riley Sons and Jett Alvey.
”We have a lot of questions to answer,” McNabb said. “There are a few positions to be had. One of the main people will be Cal’s younger brother. I don’t know what the lineup will look like, but I have a feeling Cam will be toward the top of it. They’re different players, but Cam will be asked to do more.
“That word ‘potential’ is always a buzzword, but it’s there. We have that up side, we can be that team. We want to challenge our guys, to be prepared.”
The final step is chasing championships. BNL will host the sectional, giving the Stars the added incentive and advantage of the home field. The Stars won their last title in 2017.
“You can’t take anyone lightly, it’s never that type of sectional,” McNabb said. “We certainly feel we have as good of a chance as anybody. And that’s all you can ask for. And why would you not want to say it? That’s a goal. These kids just need to believe it.”
BNL will open the season at Floyd Central on April 1.
