Two-time all-state pitcher Wallace leads 2024 Cheboygan area baseball players to watch

CHEBOYGAN – Baseball season is here, and there’s a ton of talent again in this area.

Whether it’s from Cheboygan, Inland Lakes , Mackinaw City, Onaway or Pellston, the 2024 season looks like it’s going to feature many terrific players. As we get ready for spring, here’s a look at my area players to watch in 2024.

ALL-SKI VALLEY BOYS: Onaway’s Veal named Ski Valley Conference’s boys basketball player of the year

ALL-SKI VALLEY GIRLS: Inland Lakes’ LaBrecque, Robinson, Onaway’s George make All-Ski Valley girls first team

CHEBOYGAN

Dylan Balazovic, Senior – Balazovic returns for his fourth season as a starting catcher. An outstanding defensive player and dangerous hitter, Balazovic was an All-Straits Area Conference first teamer a year ago.

Sean Postula, Junior – Postula is back for his third varsity season with Cheboygan and is expected to be the team’s ace on the mound. When not pitching, he’ll likely be somewhere in the infield and provide a powerful bat. Made the SAC first team as a sophomore.

Blake Blaskowski, Senior – During a solid junior campaign, Blaskowski earned All-SAC honorable mention recognition as a third baseman. He also returns as one of Cheboygan’s most powerful hitters.

Luke Munger, Junior – A first baseman and powerful hitter, Munger delivered a quality sophomore campaign that saw him earn SAC honorable mention recognition.

INLAND LAKES

Connor Wallace, Senior – The two-time first team all-stater returns to lead the two-time defending Ski Valley champion Bulldogs as their ace. There really isn’t a weakness in the game of Wallace, who’s also an exceptional fielder and hitter.

Ty Kolly, Sophomore – One of the best young area talents, Kolly is fresh off a fantastic freshman campaign that saw him grab All-Ski Valley first team honors. A steady second baseman with a solid bat.

Payton Teuthorn, Senior – Positioning himself to be the Bulldogs’ No. 2 pitcher behind Wallace. A multi-year varsity starter, Teuthorn has had an impressive career as an infielder.

Aidan Fenstermaker, Junior – One of the most athletic players around, Fenstermaker earned Ski Valley second team honors as one of the league's best outfielders.

ALL-SAC GIRLS: Thanks to impressive freshman campaign, Cheboygan’s Rupp makes All-SAC girls first team

ALL-SAC BOYS: Cheboygan’s Goodrich, Smith, Thater earn spots on All-SAC boys basketball team

MACKINAW CITY

Nick Vieau, Senior – After earning All-Northern Lakes Conference first team honors as a junior, Vieau is back to fuel the Comets at catcher. Will also see time on the mound and is one of Mackinaw City’s biggest offensive threats.

Sabastian Pierce, Senior – Returns to the Comets following an impressive junior campaign that saw him earn All-NLC honorable mention accolades. Likely the team’s ace, he’ll also play in the infield and be a key hitter.

Lucas Bergstrom, Senior – Another returning All-NLC first team performer, Bergstrom is expected to start at first base again. One of the best all-around players on the Mackinaw City squad.

ALL-NLC BOYS: Mackinaw City's Bergstrom and Swanson, NMCA's Brabson make All-NLC basketball first team

ALL-NLC GIRLS: Mackinaw City's Gracie Beauchamp named NLC's girls basketball player of the year

ONAWAY

Luke Lovelace, Junior – Back as Onaway’s starting catcher, Lovelace’s play as a sophomore was good enough for a spot on the Ski Valley second team.

Dylan Szymoniak, Senior – The future Alpena Community College player will be a top pitcher for Onaway. A strong arm and a quality hitter, Szymoniak helps the Cardinals in a lot of ways.

Jackson Chaskey, Senior – A solid utility player for the Cardinals, Chaskey earned Ski Valley honorable mention recognition as a junior.

PELLSTON

Jack Schmalzried, Senior – One of Pellston's senior leaders, Schmalzried returns as a top pitcher and infielder for a Hornets team looking to put it all together.

Noah Hansen, Senior – Progressed as a junior by making contributions as a pitcher and in the infield. As talented as any player on the Pellston roster.

Jack Lane, Senior – Another player who brings experience to the Pellston squad. Will again see time as a pitcher and play in the outfield as well.

Others to keep an eye on

Jacob Seaman (Cheboygan), James Charboneau (Cheboygan), Jake Willey (Inland Lakes), Logan McMullen (Inland Lakes), Trystan Swanson (Mackinaw City), Braylon Currie (Mackinaw City), Tyler Hingston (Mackinaw City), Austin Veal (Onaway), Jadin Mix (Onaway), Donovan O'Rourke (Pellston), Lucas Livermore (Pellston)

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Two-time all-state pitcher Wallace leads 2024 Cheboygan area baseball players to watch