Program Information
D1 Section Titles: 9 (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2014, 2017, 2019)
Twitter Handle: @CloHighBaseball
2020 record: 7-3
Coach Information
Head Coach: Chris Patrick
Record at School: 7-3 (second year)
Career Record: 194-97-3
Key Departures:
Noah Beal, RHP/1B
- (UNLV)
Miles Henderson, SS/RHP
- (The Master’s University)
Koby Kropf, C
Ian Mortensen, OF/RHP
Ryan Tiger, OF
Jalen White, Infield
Key Returners:
Sr. Brayden Nicholson, 3B/RHP
- Nicholson is Clovis’ most experienced player in 2021. He’s a three-year starter who will be called upon to provide leadership and perform at the standard Cougar levels. Nicholson tied for the team lead in stolen bases a season ago. He hit .300 as a sophomore two seasons ago. Also, Nicholson has developed on the mound and will be in line to see innings.
Sr. Logan Sumter, SS
- Signed with Fresno Pacific. Sumter was blocked by upper classmen a season ago but he’s in a prime position to start at shortstop as a senior. The offseason has seen him develop even further and physically progress his body. Sumter is a player who will be on opposing radars all season long and is deserving of more attention.
Sr. Seth Madruga, LHP
- Can be an innings eater who will be tough on left-handed bats.
Sr. Cason Allison, Infield/RHP
- Picked up varsity experience on the mound a season ago. The brother of Chet, a former Cougar great, who is currently playing in the Dodgers organization.
Newcomers to watch:
Sr. Adan Gonzalez, RHP
- In line to gain innings on the mound as a senior. Taking the next step in his development would be huge for an inexperienced pitching staff. Look for Gonzalez to lead the way if he pops in non-league play.
Sr. Andrew Dowie, OF
Sr. Mick Backowski. Utility
- Backowski can play just about anywhere the team needs him. He’s a true Swiss Army knife type of dude. It usually seems to work out well for unselfish seniors who are willing to play anywhere to help the team win.
Sr. Drew Steinhardt RHP/1B
- Righty who will have a chance to gain innings as a senior. An effective slider keeps hitters off balance.
Jr. Garrett Garfield, C
- A first year varsity player with a strong arm behind the dish. Has power potential at the plate. Don’t be surprised to see him in the lineup over the next two seasons.
Soph. Brody McAvoy, C/OF
- McAvoy is a natural catcher who will compete for the starting spot. With the Cougars having a couple capable catchers on the roster, McAvoy could see innings in the outfield as well. The underclassman has a high ceiling behind the dish and has impressed during the camp circuits in the offseason.
Soph. Eli Henderson, Infield
- Brother of Miles, who was a standout for the Cougars the last few seasons. Left-handed hitter with great plate discipline. Provides a good glove in the field, where he can play wherever—though he is most natural up the middle.
Soph. Evan Nelson, RHP
- Could provide depth to the pitching staff. Another young Cougar who will be around for the next several seasons.
The bottom line: The Cougars are still technically the reigning D1 Central Section champions which has been carried over from 2019. Year in and year out, no matter who Clovis loses from previous seasons, expect the Cougars to always get better and be ready to compete come playoff time. Look for new names to pop up in the Clovis lineup throughout the year as the new core of players look to continue the winning tradition of Clovis baseball.
