Hurley Baseball Faces Rebuilding Year with Young Roster

Hurley High School baseball team has just one full-time starter returning as they look to improve in all facets of the game.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:32pm

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Hurley High School's baseball team is facing a rebuilding year with only one full-time starter and two part-time starters returning from last season. Head coach Joey Little says the team is very young, with one senior, zero juniors, and several freshmen and sophomores expected to play key roles. The team's focus will be on making routine plays, putting the bat on the ball, and throwing strikes as they look to improve on defense, hitting, small ball, and pitching throughout the season.

Why it matters

Hurley High has traditionally had a strong baseball program, so this season's youth movement represents a transition period for the team. The coach's emphasis on fundamentals and player development suggests the program is focused on laying a foundation for future success, even if the 2026 season may be a challenge.

The details

Hurley's roster features Andrew Escobar as the lone returning full-time starter, along with Axel Langley and Cooper Wolfe as part-time starters. The team will also rely on several freshmen and sophomores to fill key roles, including pitchers Liam Puryear and Jaythan Lami, who will also see time at catcher. The team lost seven players from last year's squad, leaving them with limited varsity experience. Coach Little says the team needs to improve across the board, from defense and hitting to pitching and small ball.

  • Hurley opens the 2026 season on March 19 at Norwood.

The players

Joey Little

The head coach of the Hurley High School baseball team.

Andrew Escobar

The lone returning full-time starter for the Hurley High School baseball team.

Axel Langley

A returning part-time starter for the Hurley High School baseball team.

Cooper Wolfe

A returning part-time starter for the Hurley High School baseball team.

Liam Puryear

A freshman pitcher and catcher for the Hurley High School baseball team.

Jaythan Lami

A freshman pitcher and catcher for the Hurley High School baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“We are a very young team, and we just need to make the routine plays, put the bat on the ball, and throw strikes.”

— Joey Little, Head Coach

“I want our team to get better every practice and every game. By the end of the year, I want us to be able to compete and win games.”

— Joey Little, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hurley High School baseball team will open their 2026 season on March 19 with a road game against Norwood.

The takeaway

Hurley High School's baseball program is facing a rebuilding year with a very young roster, but the coaching staff is focused on developing the fundamentals and seeing steady improvement throughout the season. While the 2026 campaign may be challenging, the team's emphasis on player development suggests they are laying the groundwork for future success.