Whitefish baseball brings depth, clear objectives to new season

After a promising run last year that ended just short of the semifinals at state, Whitefish baseball enters the 2025 spring season with optimism, depth and a clear focus on fundamentals.

“The 2024 season went well, with many highlights,” said Kyler Blades, head coach. “We were an inexperienced team yet still made it to state and were inches away from advancing to the semifinals.”

Rather than fixating purely on victories, Blades emphasizes the importance of development, camaraderie and consistent execution.

“Our goal, like every year, will be to take things one pitch at a time,” Blades explained. “We lost only one full-time player and have four contributors back from injury. It’s a bit of the Wild West as teams continue to improve baseball across the state, so to put a ‘win or bust’ goal would be disingenuous.  

“Our goals will be to find joy in playing this great game, form great relationships within our team, and put ourselves in the best position to make a run at the conference and into state.”

Whitefish will lean heavily on several returning standouts who have already established themselves as team leaders. Shortstop Ryan Conklin, catcher Avery Caton, utility player Tait Orme, and outfielder Calvin Eisenbarth anchor the roster as team captains. Additionally, utility player Christian Schwaderer and pitcher/outfielder Reed Boyer return from injuries, providing valuable depth and versatility.

“We have a strong sophomore class that will plan to contribute this season,” Blades said, highlighting the blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent.

Blades also expressed excitement about several new players poised to impact the team significantly. Finn Ryan has caught the coaching staff’s attention with his improved hitting ability, while Logan Stewart has honed his pitching skills considerably during the offseason. Carter Godsey, returning from a knee injury, is another player who could break into the lineup and add strength to Whitefish’s roster.

When it comes to the team’s strengths, Blades points to offensive prowess as a hallmark of Whitefish baseball.

“My teams always hit,” he said. “We have an advanced understanding of the offensive approach and game. We know we can do the hardest thing in sports. Now we also need to focus on making routine plays and playing catch. If we execute in those phases, we will be competitive in all games.”

This season, competition within the league has intensified. Polson, the first-ever state champion in Montana baseball, joins the conference, raising the stakes and intensity of each matchup.

“There is still only one automatic bid to state, so I anticipate that being highly sought after,” Blades explained. “Placing second or third will trigger a play-in game with a team from another conference.”

While early season practices have been indoors, Blades already likes what he sees.

“The first few weeks of practice have been a blast,” he said. “Albeit indoors, these kids have a chemistry I have not experienced before. They care about one another, and that’s what truly makes a good team—when players are selfless. Our boys are chomping at the bit to get outside, and we are looking forward to another great baseball season.”