The 2024 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at The Spring Fling as they compete for a state championship, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing other pieces of content covering the Volunteer State.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our players of the week, updating the Power 25 and much more.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

High School: Bradford High School
Head Coach: Phillip Tyler
Classification: A
District + Region Number: District 13 + Region 7
2023 Record (Finish): 26-10
No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5
No. of Returning Pitchers: 2
Team Strengths: Defense, top 2 starters on the mound.

 

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• P/MIF Carver Cates (2025)
• P/1B Blane Fisher (2024)
• C Ethan Richardson (2024)
• P/DH Dylan Brauer (2025)
• MIF Jax Richardson (2025)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Bradford Red Devils come into the season on the heels of a 1A state tournament appearance after finishing the 2023 season with a 26-10 record and leading District 13. The club was streaky of sorts a year ago as they would pile a bunch of wins together and then compile their losses seemingly right after before they would go on another winning streak. The club had some turnover with graduating seniors and will look to replace a few key pieces with the loss of do it all Cason Sharp, who led the team in innings pitched and batting average, who is currently a freshman at Roane State this season. Other major losses that are gone from 2023 include current Dyersburg State freshman Cole Cates who registered 47 innings a season ago, as well as Braxton Whitney and speedster Jayden Street. Nonetheless, the Red Devils return plenty of defensive holdovers to go alongside their top two starters on the hill. Junior Carver Cates racked up a total of 48 innings pitched a season ago with an ERA just north of 3.00, while averaging just over a strikeout an inning. Carter Cates also was instrumental in securing their only win in the TSSAA 1A tournament where he pitched 2 ⅔ innings in relief striking out 3 and surrendering only 2 runs. After Cates, the Red Devils return junior Dylan Brauer who was another major factor in 2023 where he racked up 47 IP to a tune of a 2.53 ERA. Offensively senior 1B/P Blane Fisher will slide somewhere into the 3 or 4 hole and will look to lead the group where he hit .347 last year with a 1.029 OPS and provides a power threat with homerun ability . Senior catcher Ethan Richardson will hold down the backstop and was also a major factor in the lineup last season as their leadoff hitter where he hit .306 with 6 2B’s. Junior Jax Richardson will be looked upon to fill a larger role this year and be their primary second baseman or shortstop when Carver takes the hill. The Red Devils will be looking to rely on their players' experience this season, as many returners have played in meaningful games. The pitching will lead them as they can hold their own, especially in two game settings. If their arms can cut down on their walks, look for this team to once again lead their district and be on a set collision course with regional rival Halls. The 2024 Red Devils have key pieces where it matters and enough hitting at the top of the lineup to go toe to toe with just about anyone in 1A, look for the club to once again make a deep postseason run and do not be surprised if Murfreesboro will be their home for a week come late May.

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