The East Knox Bulldogs baseball team is embarking on a new season under the guidance of first-year head coach Gage Steinmetz. A former player for the Bulldogs, Steinmetz expressed his honor in returning to his alma mater to uphold the program's tradition of success.
"This program has a winning tradition and has produced many successful teams under Coach Randy Baugher over the last eight years," Steinmetz said. He emphasized that taking over the baseball program is an opportunity to build on past success, support continued growth, and create a culture that develops players into great young men.
According to Steinmetz, his focus as head coach is on developing players both on and off the field. A core philosophy for the Bulldogs this season is "owning your results," which extends beyond the game to include academics and community involvement. "We are working to develop a team that focuses on being accountable first and doing what is necessary for the greater success of the program," he said. The players have reportedly embraced this approach, fostering a competitive environment during practice and off-season workouts.
The Bulldogs return four starters from last season, bringing valuable experience to a young roster with several open positions. "We have a variety of veteran players and underclassmen competing for multiple roles," Steinmetz said. With numerous available spots, he looks forward to seeing all players develop as the season progresses.
Steinmetz shared that coaching has been a lifelong aspiration for him. "From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be a coach," he said. He highlighted the significant impact coaches can have on players' lives as what makes this role special. His passion translates into his approach to baseball, where attention to detail will be crucial this season. "Baseball is a sport that requires a strong understanding of the rules and the most effective ways to generate runs and produce outs," he explained. Improving in these areas could be decisive between winning and losing.
As the Bulldogs embark on this new chapter under Steinmetz's leadership, they are committed to hard work and continuous improvement—laying down foundations for future success.
