The Hamilton Southeastern Royals look to rebound after an underwhelming 2021 season record. Hamilton Southeastern went 12-16-1 in 2021, in their first season defending their 2019 State Championship after the 2020 season was cancelled in its entirety due to COVID. The Royals struggled greatly with inexperience in their 2021 campaign however the script has changed heading into 2022.

Led by Jeremy Sassanella, the Royals roster is headlined by ten seniors as well as nine juniors, six with varsity experience.

2021 was a Covid-ridden season and dictated a lot of how the Royals spent their time on and off the field. 2022 should offer a sense of normalcy for all of the Hamilton Southeastern team.

The main storyline to watch with this Royals team is all of the returning talents in the lineup. This includes Junior Outfielder Cole Earlewine who batted .301 as a sophomore a year ago and looks to build on that this year.

“My goal is to win the conference this year. We have only won one conference championship in 18 years and that needs to change,” Earlewine says.

The Royals play in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference, led by the top three teams in the state and defending state runner-up, the Fishers Tigers. Every game is a challenge in the conference slate and the Royals know that.

“It’s very tough. Almost every conference game you are seeing a collegiate level arm on the mound. Not many conferences have that type of depth and talent. Its also a grind because conference games are intense. Every out matters so you have to be locked in at all times,” says Earlewine.

The 2022 baseball season will have lots of talent and storylines on display and how the Royals will respond from a year ago, is the question that looks to be answered.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Junior Pitcher, Ty Bradle to discuss the season ahead.