By Kole Brooks ‘27
Ahead of the 2027 CV baseball season, standout pitcher Jackson Buckwalter (12) experienced a brutal injury on the mound. He tore his UCL, requiring Tommy John surgery. In the surgery they took part of his knee tendon and placed it inside his arm to regain joint stability. This news came as a shock to the team, since they lost one of their biggest players for a majority of the season, but the team is still dead-set on giving it their all and stepping up where it matters.
In the last two years the baseball team had an abundance of great talent from the seniors. Three key players: Ethan Santiago, Toby Schaub, and Cordell Bair all graduated in May 2026. They led the team in almost every hitting and pitching statistic.
Mason Groff (12), pitcher and third baseman for the team, explained, “This season is going to be hard because the last two senior classes were pretty good … so all the seniors this year need to step up.”
Pitching is a main concern for the season. Shortstop Aiden Styer (12) noted, “The upcoming underclassmen need to step up pitching-wise because we lost lots of pitching for next year.”
Buckwalter gave an example of one of these players: “Austin Cessna (11), can really make a big impact, as he needs to perform as a pitcher.”
The team plans to prepare for the season by, “having fall workouts … and team lifting inside the gym going all year round so we don’t get rusty,” noted Styer. Groff also explained, “Over the summer I’ve been doing private pitching lessons and lifting.”
Buckwalter, who recently injured his arm said, “I’m trying to let my arm heal in order to throw again … I might be able to play a little.” His rest and recovery will be instrumental in allowing him to pitch later in the year.
Players indicated that their biggest challenge is going to be Lampeter-Strasburg. Buckwalter remarked, “L.S. is well coached and they have multiple division one commits.” Styer added, “They have lots of great talent including Cooper Hillen (12), Simon Swarr (12), and James Wall (12).”
The players anticipate a strong senior season for Adam McDowell (12) and Gavin Sensenig (12). “Adam works hard and is a well rounded baseball player,” Buckwalter said.
“Gavin is going to play really well and he is extremely talented,” Styer explained. “Gavin right now is our best pitcher.”