Today, our look at Northeast Indiana baseball’s junior class takes us to Homestead. The Spartans’ junior class features a combination of athletes who got significant playing time, and athletes whose playing time was rather limited. Nonetheless, the juniors on Homestead’s roster stand to make a huge impact on the ball field this year.
Luke Haley: Third Baseman/Pitcher
Luke Haley had 65 plate appearances as a sophomore. But he took advantage of the at bats he did get. Haley drove in 12 RBI’s and hit two home runs. One of his quality hits was an opposite field single against Fishers in the top of the eighth, which moved the eventual winning run into scoring position.
“It was a great time, especially being one of the younger kids on the team, just being able to be a part of the team and try and grow that relationship with the older guys, it was amazing,” Haley said.
Haley also got some experience on the mound. In eleven innings pitched; Haley struck out 16 hitters, and only walked six. He didn’t give up an earned run on the season. His fastball was one of the pitches that he had success with.
“Last year wasn’t my best off-speed year,” Haley said. “But just locating that fastball was probably the best thing I could’ve done last year.”
At this point, it looks like Haley might pitch mostly as a reliever, but may get to start some games on the mound as well.
“[I’ll] Probably [be used] mostly on the relieving side as I’d be pitching in the second games of doubleheaders or even later in … the first game [of a doubleheader],” Haley said.
Being a third baseman, Haley prides himself on his defensive ability, which is an especially good quality at the hot corner. And after a good season at the plate last year, he’s been hitting the ball well in the offseason.
“I would say my defense is pretty good,” Haley said. “And I can definitely bat well, I’ve been batting well in live [at-bats] lately. And this year, I’ve definitely upped my pitching game, so hopefully that can be a key factor as well.”
Charlie Herr: Pitcher/Shortstop
Charlie Herr got to play in 20 games as a sophomore. But one game from last year that stood out was the April 14th game against Fishers; a game that was played at Taylor University. Herr was not originally scheduled to start that game. But he ended up starting at second base. And he played his position very effectively. When the ball was hit his way, Herr was able to make the plays and get the outs. At the plate, he hit a double. The Spartans went on to beat the Tigers 5-3.
“I was very pleased with how I played,” Herr said. “I thought that game kind of was a jump start to our season. We had a great regular season, and it just kind of fired us all up for the season. I thought it was great for the team and everyone.”
Although he only had 26 plate appearances, Herr still hit .364 on the season. He Also drove in two RBI’s and hit three doubles.
“I think I have grown a lot as a hitter, as I’ve gotten a lot bigger and stronger, and my power is a lot more in play,” Herr said. “And I think this year everyone will have a big effect on the hitting side.”
It sounds like Herr will also do some pitching this year. Last year he only pitched an inning and two thirds. But he did strike out three batters and only walked one. He’s hoping to pitch in the Spartans’ starting rotation. He says that his fastball and his slider are two of his best pitches at this point.
Sam Marquell: Outfielder/Pitcher
Sam Marquell had limited varsity action as a sophomore. But head coach Nick Byall does expect him to be a big contributor this year. Marquell plans to pitch this year, and he has a variety of pitches that have been very effective for him.
“Right now my slider and my sinker are probably my two … go to [pitches],” Marquell said. “I throw a fastball [which] obviously [works] pretty well as well. And I throw a changeup and a cutter as well.”
As an outfielder, Marquell plans to play a lot in left field. With former Spartans’ left-fielder Will Karshner having graduated, Marquell certainly has a chance to be used frequently in that spot.
“I went into high school not really playing a lot of outfield,” Marquell said. “But just working with [the coaches] and the [players] and just getting out and grinding, I’ve really worked myself into a position where I’m pretty competitive out there.”
Should Marquell be used frequently in left field, that may lead to him having an increased number of at bats as well. Last year, he had one hit in just three at bats. Again, Karshner’s graduation could certainly open up a spot in the lineup for Marquell. However many at bats he gets, Marquell definitely wants to contribute for his team.
“I just love to help the team however I can,” Marquell said. “I love hitting. It’s a great opportunity to bring runs in and score runs for the team. I think it’s looking like I’ll get a lot of at bats this year as well.”
Eli Shoppell: Shortstop/Second Baseman/Pitcher
Shoppell also had limited varsity action his sophomore year. But he has multiple pitches that he can throw effectively.
“I feel like I have a good changeup. I have a good curve ball as well,” Shoppell said. “My slider’s a work in progress, but my changeup’s probably my best pitch.”
It sounds like Shoppell will split time at shortstop and second base this year. Last year, he played two games in the field and had two at bats. But he did drive in a run during the season.
“Defensively, I’m really strong. I can make the routine play pretty easy,” Shoppell said. “My bat’s still growing, but I feel like I’m gonna take a step this year.”
Shane Bardwell: Center Fielder/Right Fielder
Of all of Homestead’s players in their class of 2028, Shane Bardwell was the one who saw the field most. Bardwell is a left-handed batter who had a very productive season at the plate. He drove in 13 RBI’s, and also hit a home run, two doubles, and two triples.
“In my time here at Homestead, I’ve definitely grown a lot working gap to gap, and this year looking to get a lot more extra base hits and just getting the ball out in front and taking it over the fence this year,” Bardwell said.
Bardwell is also a threat on the base paths. He led the Spartans with 27 stolen bases. He credits a lot of that success to his ability to read the pitchers, among other things.
“Just timing up the pitchers, getting good jumps, and then just running hard,” Bardwell said.
Playing in both center field and right field, Bardwell will look to be at his best in the outfield. So far, he has been. Last year, he had 28 put outs, and limited the errors, committing only one in 28 games.
“My speed [is a factor] for sure and my range and just tracking the ball,” Bardwell said. “I’ve definitely added an arm tool this year. That should help a lot.”
Homestead’s juniors, as well as the rest of the Spartans, have their opener on Monday. Homestead will face Fishers at Taylor University. The Tigers usually are a thorn in the Spartans’ sides. But Homestead knocked off Fishers in extra innings last year. Whatever the outcome of this year’s game, it stands to be an exciting ballgame.
“It’s always exciting to have opening day and to play such a great team like Fishers,” head coach Nick Byall said. “It’s always fun to compete with Coach [Matthew] Cherry’s team. You know they’re going to be talented. You know they’re going to be well-coached. So it’s always a good measuring stick to kind of start the season off with a great opponent like that.”
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