By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
As the calendar turns to June, that means the summer tradition of Hays Larks baseball is here.
The Larks open the 2024 campaign in Dodge City Tuesday before returning home for a rematch the following night.
The Larks will play 36 games this summer with 23 of them in the friendly confines of Larks Park.
Frank Leo begins his 42nd season as the Larks manager and said he’s looking forward to the new team and season.
“I love the challenge of putting a team together and trying to get them together as a team as quick as you can, particularly this season with the World Series starting a week earlier it’s going to be bam, bam, bam.” Leo said.
This year's squad boasts a mix of returning veterans from last year's team that finished 39-8 as well as some exciting newcomers.
Injuries have ended the season of a couple of key position players before the season even started. Notably absent are standout outfielder Damian Ruiz, who set a Larks single-season record for runs scored and stolen bases last summer. Also missing is catcher Dylan LaRue, the younger brother of former Larks standout Tyler LaRue. Both will miss the season due to injuries in the last month of their collegiate season.
Despite the setbacks, Leo feels this year’s squad will be similar to last year's team which stole 152 bases in 46 games.
”We’re going to be guys who can run the bases. We had some guys with 20 or better stolen bases (in college this spring).” Leo said. “Of course, you have to get on base to make it happen, but I think the speed game will be prevalent.”
Leo will once again be joined buy longtime assistant Keith Harper who will begin his 20th season as Larks pitching coach,. The two are dealing with injuries to the pitching staff.
Normally they would carry 14 pitchers on the roster but will start the 2024 campaign with only 11.
“What you’re going to get is young arms that are going need some work in the summertime.” Leo said. “You’ve got to kind of develop your staff. You’re hoping that when you get them in here, get them on the mound, fix them a little bit and kind of piece games together.” Leo said.
The Larks were counting on returners Ben Baker-Livingston and Kam Walton to lead the pitching staff this summer but both are out with labrum injuries.
Click here for the 2024 Larks roster.
This will mark the Larks fifth season in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. They’ve won the league title in each of the previous four seasons. The RMBL will have a slightly different look this summer. Liberal and Dodge City are back for a second season. The Western Nebraska Pioneers, who played a league schedule last summer, are now fully-fledged member. The Fort Collins Foxes are also returning under new management.
Admission to Larks games will again be free this season thanks to local businesses. Among the highlights are First Responders Night, Military Appreciation Night, Larkstoberfest, Educators Night and Stand Up 2 Cancer Night.
Click here for the full schedule and game information.
The NBC World Series is scheduled for July 25-August 3 at Eck Stadium in Wichita.