The 2024 Shorecrest Scots baseball team was unforgettable, and will go down in history as one of the best teams to ever play here at Shorecrest. They ended the season with a 15-5 record, the best record in over a decade, clinching their spot in the district playoffs for the first time in a decade as well. Unfortunately, the season came to an end sooner than expected, but nonetheless it was a season to be proud of.
Leading the charge are seniors Dillon Carrell, Jake Lockwood, and Hudson Cunningham, who have been instrumental in the team’s success. Powerhouses on the mound, they combined for 137 total strikeouts and were a part of 2 no hitters throughout the season. With those big names leaving the program next year, juniors such as consistent hitter Brooks Murray, who was top of the team with 19 hits and a .317 batting average, along with the smooth as silk shortstop Quinn Burnham, who anchored his position with a fielding percentage of .937, will have a lot of expectations for next season. “I have no doubt in my mind that the juniors this season will take over the reins and lead this team to success next season,” says Senior Captain Hudson Cunningham when asked how he thought the strong group of juniors would react to being seniors next season.
While thinking about what the future holds is inevitable, reflecting on their amazing season is something we mustn’t forget about. During the season, the Scots displayed their ability to win by winning eight games in a row and mowing down every team that was in their way. Senior Captain Dillon Carrell says, “It was an awesome stretch of games; everything was clicking and we were unbeatable for those eight games.” Just like Dillon said, everything was clicking for the Scots, not just for those eight games but for the whole season.
Along with the great performances on the field by the players, the coaches were doing just as well themselves. Now a 20 year seasoned veteran, Coach Bruns once again led the charge assisted by former Shorecrest player, and later professional player, James Robbins. These two were able to combine for one of Bruns’ best seasons ever. While I’m sure Bruns would contribute much of that success to the players, they don’t necessarily feel the same. Quinn Burnham relayed, “The coaches did a lot for us this year. James helped me and some other guys out a ton in the off season and it really paid off.”
Baseball is very team oriented; everyone must play their part to be successful. With that being said, it doesn’t all come down to the team’s great play or the stellar coaching. It was a group effort, with everyone contributing their effort equally. “The team was a well oiled machine this year. It wasn’t about a few really good players, but rather a lot of players who filled the roles they were asked too. Lots of unselfish plays,” says Hudson Ekstrom.
