By Joanna Chadwick
Photo by Tristan Anderson
There’s no doubt that the 2025 baseball season was a rough one for Derby, which won seven games.
But the Panthers have a new coach in Jeff Frazee and have opened the season at 6-0.
“Our seniors have led the way for our team on and off the field,” Frazee said. “They have bought into the culture and expectations that were set and have really helped set the tone for the younger guys coming up in the program and have been an extension of the coaching staff.
“When you have buy-in from your seniors, especially when dealing with a coaching change, it makes it so much of an easier transition. Our seniors are the heart and soul of this team, and everything is constructed around them having the best season possible.”
The Panthers have outscored opponents 57-11 and won their first three games by run rule.
“We have pitched extremely well to this point and played good defense behind our pitchers,” Frazee said. “Offensively, we have some work to do to become more consistent hitters but have had timely hitting to help us win ball games.”
The Panthers beat Kapaun 2-0 on March 27 behind Hudson Halstead’s two-hitter.
“The win over Kapaun was big for several reasons,” Frazee said. “Obviously, it meant a little more for me since I coached there and have relationships with the coaching staff and players.
“But most importantly it was a big win because I know the standards of that program and they always have a great team that plays the right way. \ It was a great measuring stick for us to know where we are at and give us the belief that we belong with the top teams in the area.
“Hudson pitched an absolute gem and had command of all of his pitches and was in control the whole game. Hudson has been consistent in his play on the mound, in the field, and in the batter’s box. You can tell that he is enjoying every minute of his senior season. He’s a special young man.”
Even with the talent and the strong play, it’s still impressive that the Panthers have made such a turnaround so quickly.
“I don’t think this season has been necessarily teaching them to know how to win but setting the culture of expecting to win no matter the opponent and instilling a fierce competitive spirit,” Frazee said. “The message has been it’s a nameless, faceless opponent in the other dugout. Go play the game with relentless effort and have the most fun you can. We play loose and confident, and I think that shows in how we play and in the results.”
