When Liberty baseball coach Travis Inch took a look, not just at his schedule, but his new opposition in Class 1A, he knew his program was in for a wild ride in 2024.
Coming into the season the defending county champion, Liberty’s schedule included a nonconference slate that included multiple state title contenders and new challengers as they moved into Class 1A.
“Regardless of whether we were in 1A or 2A, we knew the goals were the same,” Inch said. “We wanted to play our brand of baseball and come out from March 1 and get better everyday.”
Under Inch’s tutelage, many Liberty players did just that. After the graduation of last season’s Player of the Year Cam Hodges, Inch reloaded with two of the best players in the county this year in Nate Martin, who took home the award this season, and runner-up Carter Shanks, who credits Inch for his breakout year.
“He’s always telling me how good I could be,” Shanks said after the regional championship game. “He pushes us and is always setting the example of working hard and sacrificing.”
The Lions once again finished the season as county champions, going on to make their mark in 1A, defeating Pikesville for the regional title with a 3-0 win.
For his efforts, Liberty coach Travis Inch has been named 2024 Carroll County Times baseball Coach of the Year.
“Travis’ passion for the game of baseball and coaching is second to none,” Liberty athletic director Ed DeVincent said in a statement. “He and his coaching staff’s preparation for every game is exemplary. His teams always peak at the end of the year and the program was rewarded with another county and regional championship.”
All-County first team
Braeden Chubb, Liberty, junior, infielder
Chubb was a key offensive weapon for the county champion Lions, finishing the year batting .373.
Clayton Dorsey, Westminster, senior, infielder
The senior batted .437 with 11 extra base hits and 12 RBIs. Dorsey was also one of the best fielders on the Owls with a 92.1 fielding percentage.
Mason Hendricks, Century, senior, infielder
Hendricks was a tough out all season and a strong run producer for the Knights. He batted .310 with 10 RBIs and 15 runs scored.
Nate Hobbs, Francis Scott Key, junior, infielder
Hobbs only struck out once all season and finished the year batting .367, while driving in 16 runs.
Nick LoPreato, Manchester Valley, senior, infielder
The senior finished his career as a Maverick with a .303 batting average, showcasing his power with seven doubles and 20 RBIs.
Will Mollman, Westminster, junior, infielder
Mollman was a threat every time he came to the plate. He batted .455 for the Owls with three home runs and 29 RBIs. He also posted a 92.9% fielding percentage.
Jack Bruffey, Gerstell Academy, junior, outfielder
A second team selection last year, Bruffey’s .404 batting average, 1.060 OPS and stout defensive play earned him a first team selection in 2024.
Chase Speiden, Century, junior, outfielder
Another repeat first team selection, Speiden batted .462 this season with five home runs and 19 RBIs.
Liam Ziegenfuss, Manchester Valley, junior, outfielder
Affectionately known as “Ziggy”, the junior batted .333 in what was a strong season in the Mavericks outfield.
Gavin Larson, Gerstell Academy, junior, pitcher/infield
Larson was one of the top hitters and pitchers for the Falcons. He batted .421 and went 2-0 on the mound with 18 strikeouts.
Carter Shanks, Liberty, sophomore, pitcher/infielder
A player of the year finalist, Shanks’ Lions debut ended with an impressive .431 batting average with 20 RBIs. On the mound, Shanks went 5-1 with a 1.79 era and 35 strikeouts.
Dominic Crisp, Century, senior, catcher
Crisp batted .400 for the Knights with 20 RBIs. The senior also showcased his skill behind the plate against Liberty, where he threw out two runners trying to seal during a key county matchup.
Colton Feister, Francis Scott Key, junior, catcher
The junior was the Eagles’ offensive leader, finishing with a .433 batting averaging and 12 RBIs.
Ben Stevens, Francis Scott Key, senior, utility
Stevens finished his Eagles career with a .387 batting average and 16 RBIs.
All- County second team
Ryan Palle, Liberty, senior, second base
Brady Kies, Francis Scott Key, junior, pitcher
Chase Miller, Liberty, junior, third base/pitcher
Griffin Vincent, Westminster, junior, outfield
Travis Smith, Gerstell Academy, senior, catcher
Dominic Califano, Century, sophomore, center field/pitcher
Grady Magin, Manchester Valley, junior, first base
Austin Schulze, Century, junior, pitcher/first base
Hayden Pittler, Gerstell Academy, junior, pitcher
Tyler Vonella, Manchester Valley, senior, catcher
Hayden Askew, Manchester Valley, senior, shortstop
Jack Andrews, Liberty, senior, catcher
Aiden LeFaivre, Francis Scott Key, junior, infield
Landon Buchman, Winters Mill, sophomore, outfield
Hayden Rathmann, South Carroll, senior second base
Bradon Barrett, Westminster, sophomore, pitcher