The Aplington-Parkersburg baseball team finished its season Tuesday in its first-ever state tournament appearance. Coach Brett Kleespies says the senior class of five is a key reason for the success, having played a major role on the team throughout their careers. Since their eighth grade season, the group has helped the team improve their record every year after winning just three games in 2020.
Kleespies says it’s a group that has had as great an impact as possible.
“From the literal bottom to the top,” Kleespies says. “There was that COVID year where they won three games. And it was tough to look those guys in the eyes after the game and tell them congratulations and what they’ve meant for this program. But you don’t know the right words to say at that moment for those guys. And especially Devin having to sit out in street clothes and just knowing that he wants to get out there and help his team. From Cooper, Gabe, Tate, Nick, Devin, they’ve worked their butts off to put us right here at the pinnacle. You’re one of the best eight teams in the state, and those guys got us here.”
Devin Davis and Tate Neymeyer were five-year starters. Nick Neuroth and Cooper Hoff were four-year starters, with Hoff missing his junior season due to an injury. Gabe Jacobson saw limited varsity time throughout most of his career, but earned his starting outfield spot for his senior season.
The Falcons finished 18-8, the program’s best record since 2018.
