Seckman Baseball Coach Embracing New Role

When Seckman first-year baseball coach Brad Hagedorn talks about his college playing days at the University of Arkansas, it is a safe bet that his players will listen intently.

After all, Hagedorn, a four-year starter for the Razorbacks, played the infield for current Philadelphia Phillies pitching ace Cliff Lee. Hagedorn, a 2000 graduate, also was in the starting lineup alongside Atlanta Braves outfielder Eric Hinske.

"I hope that gets their attention," Hagedorn said with laugh. "Actually, I'd like to think they're going to listen to me anyway."

Hagedorn brings a wealth of baseball experience and knowledge to the table. He is beginning his seventh season with the program and spent the past couple years running the junior varsity squad.

The Fort Smith, Arkansas native has been waiting his entire career for this job. And he plans on making the most of the opportunity.

"This is one of the reasons I went into education," he said. "I've always wanted to coach on this level."

The Jaguars have the talent to make Hagedorn's debut a successful one. They return 13 seniors from a 14-13 squad that improved steadily as the 2010 campaign went along.

"Almost everyone here has experience and they know how to play the game," said Hagedorn. "Experience can take you a long way."

The Jaguars could have an all-senior starting lineup at times this season. Eight key field players are seniors. The pitching staff is primarily made up of juniors.

"Right now, our basic goal is to win some games, open some eyes," said Hagedorn.

Hagedorn says a 20-win season is a reachable goal.

"That's one of the numbers we threw out there at the start of the season," he said.

Seniors Alek Ferbet, Trey Meier, Chris Norman, and Zach Rutter will comprise the veteran infield. Ferbet, a third baseman, hit .425 last season. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has already accepted a scholarship to play football at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph's. Norman, a shortstop, hit .308 last season. He is strong defensively and also possesses impressive speed.

"He's a nemesis on the bases," said Hagedorn.

Senior Sam Tramel will be behind the plate. He hit over .500 during the first week of the season.

J.B. Arnold, Jacob Peppers and Mike Weinrich, all seniors, will see plenty of time in the outfield. Pepper, an all-Suburban South Conference performer last season, hit .412 in 2010. Junior Jake Bell also fits into the mix.

The pitching staff is led by senior Dan Shiller and five promising juniors. Shiller was 3-1 with a 2.18 ERA last spring.

Juniors Tyler McCorkle and Otto Schmidt have shined in the early going this season. Christian Rieger, Casey McNabb and Nick Carlton also figure into Hagedorn's plans.

The Jaguars should be able to score runs and they have a solid defensive squad. The pitching staff could hold the key to the season.

"It's one of those things, with all the juniors, that the pitching might be somewhat of a question mark," said Hagedorn.

The Jaguars have played well over the first week despite dropping three of five games. They lost twice to Francis Howell, which is always a tough team to beat.

"If we play like we're capable of playing," said Hagedorn. "Then, we could end up being pretty good."