The Pioneer High School varsity baseball team had a playoff run to remember in 2023 and were recognized for their performance during the regular season by the Golden Empire League.

Six Patriots (23-6) received recognition from the GEL recently. Three players were named to the All-GEL team and two received an honorable mention.

Senior pitcher Carson Timothy led the way for Pioneer this season, earning him the GEL co-MVP award, sharing the honor with crosstown rival, Austin Stapleton.

“When it comes to MVP of the league, it’s a testament to all the coaches knowing who you are, how they are and what they mean to each team,” Patriots coach Craig Marquez explained. “Carson being our number one pitcher, and when he wasn’t pitching, playing shortstop day in and day out. He was vital to our team’s success and after pitching being able to play the field and be a vital part of the middle infield is huge.

“That was the main reason why he’s been back-to-back league MVP. All the coaches respect him, know him, understand his work ethic and what you need to get to that point. For him to get it two years in a row is testament to his hard work and dedication to playing baseball.”

Timothy ranked in the top 10 of several offensive statistical categories among his GEL foes. He also ranked in the top two of each defensive stat.

The sensational senior finished second in runs scored (32), tied for second in home runs (one) & stolen bases (15) and ninth in slugging percentage (0.536). The UC Santa Barbara signee ranked first in strikeouts (106) by a wide margin, finishing with 41 more Ks than the runner-up. Timothy finished second in earned run average (0.65) & wins (7-2) as well as tied for second in no-hitters (one).

Junior pitcher Matias Michel was the eldest Patriot selected to the All-GEL team. Michel led the league in wins with an unbeaten record (8-0), tied for fifth in Ks (50) and finished ninth in ERA (2.07).

“Matias was our number two and Thursday starter this year. Two years in a row he’s been undefeated in league and beat every opponent,” Marquez recalled. “He could be in the conversation too for league MVP with the other two. Going undefeated in league is a tough task. He did it at first base as well and swinging the bat. That combination of being consistent on the mound and being reliable in the lineup proved for him to be an all-league member.”

Drew Van Court pitched in relief of Michel several times throughout the season. The superb sophomore joined him as an all-league selection by ranking in the top 10 of each defensive stat. The Oregon State commit ranked first in no-no’s (two), fourth in Ws (5-2), seventh in Ks (49) and 10th in ERA (2.10).

“He did come on strong offensively and that catapulted him into the all-league conversation,” Marquez said. “He’s a very good pitcher in the GEL. When you put on top of that, hitting as well, and playing in the lineup the other two days, it bodes well for his consideration for all-league and he was very well deserving.”

The third and final Pioneer player to be named All-GEL this season was backflipping outfielder Landon Dahler. The speedy sophomore tied for fifth in SLG (0.593) & stolen bags (13), tied for sixth in runs batted in (21) and ranked ninth in batting average (0.407).

“Last year I brought him up to play shortstop, and with the addition of Jack Cullison playing the middle, I transitioned him to center field. Going from infield to outfield seems like just running to catch a ball,” Marquez explained. “The outfield being as big as it is, defensively he did a really good job and improved week to week in the outfield. Offensively, he finished second in batting for the team.”

Dahler also finished tied for second in homers with 11 other GEL players. His lone home run on May 18 ultimately propelled Pioneer into the Division III section title game, smashing a three-run shot during a 7-1 win at Ponderosa.

“It seemed like whenever we needed a clutch hit, he was there and got it done,” Marquez recalled. “He got better and better each week at the dish, being more disciplined. He and Drew are sophomores and to play varsity as a sophomore in any sport is a tough task and both of them did it as a freshmen. They had a little experience behind them but Dahler made huge strides at the dish and warranted his addition to the all-league team.”

Two Patriots received an honorable mention from the GEL for their play this season. Sophomore first baseman Luke Ferreira joined Van Court and Dahler in representing the Class of 2025. Ferreira ranked first in homers (two), tied for fifth in SLG (0.593), sixth in BA (0.426), eighth in on base percentage and tied for ninth in SB (11).

“Luke, his bat plays at any level,” Marquez said. “My only concern was how much playing time he would get at the beginning of the year with Matias playing first base. It was a very good addition with (Ferreira) there.”

Marquez explained how the previous two seasons, GEL three-game series would be played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. With a rest day in between each game, Michel had time to rest his right arm after pitching Wednesday before playing first base on Friday.

However in 2023, the schedules shifted to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The shift prevented Michel from fully recovering before playing first base on Friday, opening the door for Ferreira to play first in back-to-back days.

“We filled the spot right there with Luke,” Marquez said. “He took it in stride and took off. It’s one of those things, when you get your opportunity, make sure you’re ready for it and he was. Coming out and getting as many hits as he did as a sophomore and lefty in the lineup was huge. The sky is the limit for him over the next two years too. He’s a great kid, well deserving and I’m very proud of him.”

Senior catcher Ryan Pearson was the other Pioneer player given an honorable mention by the GEL. The Butte College signee crushed one home run this season, tying him with numerous GEL rivals. Pearson made countless defensive plays that don’t show up in the stat sheet, according to Marquez.

“Ryan is probably the top catcher in the league,” Marquez proclaimed. “He struggled a little bit offensively this year or he would’ve been an all-league member as well, which he was last year. All-around catching wise, he caught everyday for all our pitchers and had a good sense and understanding of all of our pitching too. To have him back there day in and day out was huge.

“At that section game, (between) Central Catholic and our catcher, there was not one passed ball. In high school, that’s unheard of! Not allowing teams to get extra bases with solid catching behind the dish is huge. He was a mainstay and his future will be bright continuing on next year as well.”

Timothy and Pearson are among the eight Patriots who graduated in the Class of 2023 last month. The other departing seniors include Hector Casas, Max McClarin, Hayden Morel, Hayden Newsom, Rolando Ramos and Nico Rodriguez.

Dahler, Ferreria, Michel and Van Court will all be back for next season. Pioneer finished second in the GEL this year, one game behind Woodland High. The Wolves had 12 seniors depart, including Stapleton and Woodland’s four all-league selections.

Therefore, the Patriots seem to be the early front-runners to reclaim the GEL crown next season.

“With the members we have coming back and some of the kids that didn’t get much playing time this year, they’ll step up in these roles and we’ll keep moving forward,” Marquez foreshadowed. “Obviously, Carson Timothy and Ryan Pearson are two very hard players to replace. That’s high school sports and they’re going to move on to bigger and better things. We need to figure out who will be where.

“The core of our pitching staff is going to be there. I started four or five sophomores every game so with that experience coming in and that returning of individuals, especially the quality that those guys are, it’s just a matter of keep moving forward and playing baseball like we do at Pioneer.”