ROCKINGHAM — Richmond Raider baseball is in full swing, fresh off its only scrimmages heading into the 2020 regular season.
A common theme this spring amongst Richmond Senior High School athletics is a period of transition, as the baseball team follows suit of the Lady Raider soccer and softball programs. Richmond is under the direction of first-year head coach Rob Ransom.
The Raiders will also be without 12 seniors from last year, as Ransom will overhaul the diamond with a mixture of six returning seniors, six juniors and five sophomores. Despite the seemingly endless wet weather the last two weeks, the squad has continued to practice indoors and outdoors to prepare for the season opener on Monday.
In this edition of Raider video chats, seniors Dallas Cowick and Luke Preslar, along with sophomores JD Lampley and Cameron Way, join Ransom to discuss the pre-season developments and what Raider fans can expect from the team this season.
Dallas Cowick, senior infielder/pitcher
As a junior, Cowick served as the team’s leadoff hitter and locked down the middle infield positions. This year he’ll be relied upon as a pitcher, too, and gives an update on the team this spring. He also explains what the Raiders will do to try and remain competitive in the Sandhills Athletic Conference. (Click photo for video.)
Luke Preslar, senior outfielder/pitcher
A left-handed pitcher, Preslar is the only returning pitcher who logged significant innings last season (two wins in five appearances). He talks about fulfilling the necessary leadership role as a senior, highlights some of his offseason workouts and discusses his thoughts on Coach Ransom taking over. (Click photo for video.)
JD Lampley, sophomore infielder/pitcher
Looking to become a regular contributor for the Raiders in 2020, Lampley is one of the five sophomores on the varsity team. He played up with the varsity team during summer ball and notes how that experience helped prepare him. Lampley also breaks down the sophomore class and what they bring to the team. (Click photo for video.)
Cameron Way, sophomore infielder/pitcher
Also one of the sophomores on the team, Way will split his responsibilities as a pitcher and on the left side of the infield. He talks about his pitching performance against Terry Sanford High School in last week’s scrimmage and explains what the current vibe of the team is heading into the opener. (Click photo for video.)
Rob Ransom, first-year head coach
Not a stranger to the sport of baseball, Ransom returns to his alma mater to take over the Raider program. He gives fans an inside look of what has been going on at practice this spring, and tells what Raider supporters can look forward to in the coming slate. (Click photo for video.)
ROSports will publish a full season preview ahead of the team’s opener Monday against Anson High School.
