By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SILVERTON, Ore.–  If you ever met-and-or saw Silverton’s Carson Waples, you’ll see the multi-faceted personality that the Foxes student-athlete has.  Funny and care comes to mind as he’s always having a positive outlook on things.  Something that’ll be big for Waples as he’ll look upon as one of the seniors to lead the baseball team this Spring as the first-day of the season kicked off Monday afternoon at Silverton Middle School.

]I’m an outgoing guy.  I try to help and put others first, especially with this year I think I’m going to have to play a huge role with leadership and trying to help the younger guys with most of them being sophomores,” describes Waples.

Waples is one of three returners, along with Sawyer Enderle and Cade Wynn from last Springs 21-22, 15-12, 5A State Playoff team.  The Trio had summer experience withEnderle and Waples playing with the American Legion Triple-A Canyon Crushers and Wynn was a member of the Gunderson travel baseball team, giving them the experience they’ll turn to this upcoming season that starts March 13 with the Silverton Jamboree.

“It’s going to help us, being prepared like that with the extra play when some of Oregon’s best baseball…it prepared me for the pitching and the leadership role I’m going to have to play this year with us graduating nine-to-ten seniors from last year.  It’s going to come down to me and our two other returners coming back.  Last year’s Summer really helped  with that and getting ready for this season and what we’re expected to do,” Waples said.

Last year’s Varsity season helped Waples going into the Summer, going into this season even.  Playing with a bunch of players he’s grown up with those seniors from last year, but seeing them in those big roles indicated to Waples what it takes to lead a ballclub on the diamond.  But with his high-energy personality and his passion, there shouldn’t be an issue for Waples to assume the role as leader this Spring.

“Seeing those guys in the roles those Seniors played.  My success and our team’s success, I think I’m trying to put that into my game and help the young guys like they did for me,” Waples said.  “Just trying to have fun.  I think it’s going to come down to having fun and trying to make the most of every opportunity that we’re given and playing a good defense when it comes to defense.”

The season-opener for the Foxes will be March 15 at Barlow and the Silverton home opener will be on March 21 against Mountain View.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald