Head Coach: Brian Baum
Where We Left Off in 2023: The Gophers went 10-4 in the TRC and 19-7 overall. They played six playoff games, going 4-2, losing to Cannon Falls 5-2 to play for the section title. Chatfield took third in Section 1AA.
Seniors: Kail Schott (P/OF), Jack Dornack (C), Carter Schlink (P/3B), Brayden Horsman (OF), Carson Voeltz (1B), Nathan Allen (OF/C), Caden Boyum (SS/P).
Juniors: Cole Ramaker (P/IF), Chase Johnston (P/SS), Aiden Johnsrud (P/2B), Thane Schild (3B), Ben Carrier (OF), Ryan Rindels (OF), Westin Nolte (P/1B).
Outlook: Last year was the second of a fantastic span of ball for the Gophers where they went a combined 39-10 (11 playoff games). Graduation took a toll. Chatfield had four All-TRC selections and three two-times picks moved on; Luke Carrier (P/OF > .415 average, six extra base hits, 19 RBI, 30 R, 33 1/3 IP, 3-2 record, 13 BB, 43 K, 1.89 ERA), Drew O’Connor (P/1B > .365 average, 10 extra base hits, 2 HRs, 25 RBI, 12 R, 48 2/3 IP, 5-3 record, 25 BB, 59 K, 3.60 ERA), and Carter Daniels (.370 average, seven extra base hits, 9 RBI, 24 R, 16 SB, 21 2/3 IP, 4-0 record, 9 BB, 21 K, 2.91 ERA). Also graduating were All-TRC HM picks Jackson Schild (OF), Drew Schindler (2B/P), and Sulley Ferguson (P). The Gophers three notable returnees are All-TRC pick Kail Schott (.292 average, 20 RBI, 20 R) and third-year starters, All-TRC HM guys Jack Dornack (.365 average, 22 RBI) and Caden Boyum (.361 average, 16 RBI, 23 RBI, 16 SB). Nathan Allen (18 R) and Carter Schlink also played last year. The Gophers graduated 135 of 165 2/3 innings pitched. Only Boyum (16 2/3 IP, 2-0 record, 3.78 ERA) and Schlink (10 IP) pitched 10-plus frames. It will be a lot of new guys in new rolls. Chatfield does have a seven-senior, seven-junior, upperclassmen roster.