The spring sports season is upon us, bringing Tiger Baseball to the plate for the 2025 season. Under the leadership of Blake Marquardt, who is entering his ninth season as head coach, the Tigers are eager for the upcoming campaign. Marquardt is fresh off an impressive season with the Tiger softball team, guiding them to the Class B State Championship Game in the fall. Now, as the calendar turns to 2025, Coach Marquardt is looking forward to another successful season with the baseball team.
A year ago, the Tigers finished the season with a 9-13 record, graduating eight seniors, three of whom were starters. This season, the Tigers are hosting a veteran group with ten seniors, seven of whom are returning as starters. One of those key returners, Chance Vertin, spoke highly of the team’s potential for 2025.
“We have a lot of experience coming back and we expect to make a big impact from last year and expect to win,” he said.
When asked about the team’s goals for the season, Vertin added, “We want to be at least .500 in our conference games and make it to state for the first time in five years.”
The last time the Tigers made it to state was in 2019, when they were led by outfielder Mike Boeve, who is now contracted with the MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers.
The following year, the Tigers had high hopes of securing a state title, but their season was abruptly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This season, Vertin is on track to break records in hits, runs scored, RBIs, doubles, triples, walks, and home runs over the course of his career.
“I’m close to breaking seven school records and would also like to be first team Class B,” Vertin said.
The Tigers’ 2025 season kicks off Thursday, with a matchup against the Norris Titans at Duncan Field at 4:30 p.m. There is palpable excitement surrounding the team this year, according to Vertin.
“Fans can look forward to seeing an aggressive team on the bases and a good pitching rotation,” he said.If you can’t make it to Duncan Field for the game, You can catch all the action on Hastings High Striv for home games. Tiger Baseball tickets are available at the gate or on the new Bound app.
