Tradition, discipline keeps Berkeley baseball in the title hunt

Moncks Corner – One of the top AAAAA baseball programs over the last five years has been Landy Cox’s Berkeley High program.

The Stags have one state championship, in 2022, but have contended in several other recent seasons. The 2024 Stags look to continue that string of Lowcountry dominance but, as Cox says, this team is quite different than Berkeley’s most recent powerhouses.

“It’s definitely a different group, different strengths and weaknesses,” Cox said. “We have lost some really good talent over the last few years. This team has some talent for sure but we lack experience in a few spots. I’m concerned with our pitching depth. In year’s past, pitching has been a strength and we’ve had depth. We are having to count on a lot of different arms this year.”

Berkeley opened the season with a 2-2 record in the International Paper Classic but rattled off a string of victories to move near the top of the state’s AAAAA rankings. The Stags hit a bump in the road just before spring break, losing two of three region 6-AAAAA games to Wando. Berkeley has region series remaining with Stratford and Cane Bay but will need some help if they hope to win another region title.

While Berkeley’s pitching staff lacks experienced depth, Cox has one of the state’s top right-handers, Cole Greer, anchoring his staff. Greer is headed to the University of South Carolina in the fall, taking with him a low 90’s fastball and devastating breaking ball.

“There is no doubt, we can beat anyone in the state with Cole on the mound,” Cox said. “He will battle and compete like no one else. We know what we’re going to get from Cole every time he walks to the mound.”

Senior Connor Barham is a returning pitcher with significant experience but has not been fully healthy of late. Gavin Gaskins, a transfer from Timberland, is an effective starter with a very good changeup. Senior Reid Driggers also has helped on the mound with junior Hunter Morris working in relief.

Aiding the pitching has been a solid defense. The Stags field the baseball at a very high percentage, committing just seven errors in the first 12 games.

“We have been good defensively and we’ve had to be,” Cox said. “Offensively we just have to work for every little thing we get. We have to be a team that plays hard and does all the little things. That has not changed over the years.”

Anchoring the defense are senior shortstop Gavin Edens and sophomore second baseman Hudson Clark. Cox calls Edens “one of the best defensive shortstops I have coached.”

Returning behind the plate is veteran senior Mason Salisbury, a fixture on the varsity since his freshman year and a Lander signee.

Senior McCrae Driggers is a returning starter in centerfield and junior Ryan Richardson is a returning starter in right. Senior Brant Ford has been working in leftfield and senior Bodhi Leeson is the designated hitter who also sees time on the mound.

While Cox admits his 2024 team is not as talented or as deep as some recent teams, a tradition of success keeps the Stags pressing to improve.

“Sure, I think tradition certainly helps us,” the coach said. “Our kids have high expectations of themselves because the bar has been raised. At the same time, we have a target on our back and we’re going to get everyone’s best shot. We can’t ever relax or let up. Someone is always coming for us.”