Spring Baseball Starts for Deer Park Boys

Snyder said he has three all-Greater Spokane League selections returning for the 2026 campaign. Starting pitcher Ian Olietti returns and will likely be the opening day starter on Wednesday, March 18, against Rogers, Snyder said. The versatile junior, who also quarterbacks the Stag football team, will most likely anchor the hot corner at third base when not on the mound, but can also play shortstop and catcher.  Speedy center fielder Evan Brinlee, who has provided steady and sometimes spectacular play, will be found in center field, Snyder said. The two time all league performer is likely to be joined by fellow senior Ezekiel Callaham and junior Carter Criss who is a transfer from Tumwater. Snyder said Callaham also is likely to log some innings on the mound with the list of candidates to fill his spot headlined by sophomore Issac Wadleigh who was elevated to the varsity roster late last season. The third returning all league selection is shortstop senior Pedar Tobeck who is also likely to work on the mound. Snyder said sophomore Caden Knudsvig is a candidate to take the infield slot  and junior Tristan Flugel could be seen this season working at third base. Knudsvig, who notched a first round playoff win on the mound over East Valley in his varsity starting debut, and Flugel are also expected to contribute to work in the pitching rotation, Snyder said. Nine players are listed on the Stags roster as possible hurlers.

Senior Parker Hamilton returns to the program after missing his junior campaign with a torn labrum that he has chosen to play through. Snyder said he was the primary second baseman as a freshman and sophomore. Sophomore Payson Hansen, who logged the bulk of the work catching last spring returns with first base, outfield and pitching added to his positional resume.  He began to work on the mound late in the American Legion season last summer and throws with high velocity as he continues to learn the position, Snyder noted.  

Junior Hunter Robb and sophomore Payton Talmich are newcomers to the varsity roster. Snyder said Robb is listed to play second base, outfield and pitcher while Talmich has first base and outfield listed. Steady player Austin Bruner returns at first base with the junior in his third year at the varsity level. Sophomore Nikoli Hunsaker, who enjoyed a successful summer campaign in 2025 behind the plate, joins the varsity level after being the primary junior varsity catcher last year. Snyder said he is also listed to play first base, outfield and pitcher.

On the subject of summer ball, Snyder said it is a vital component of competitive programs.  He gave credit to the two AA Northstars legion coaches Brandon Talmich and Eli Lee, who are both Deer Park High School grads for their work. The Northstars AA finished 20-7 and qualified for the state tournament, which was the second time for the Deer Park-based program. Their campaign included an 18-game winning streak, Snyder said.

Snyder said he expects his outfield to be one of the fastest in the area and noted that the defensive unit did not make any errors in their jamboree with Mt. Spokane and Lewis & Clark on March 12. He said to expect speed to be a vital component offensively on the bases. Highlighting his keys to success was having players grow into bigger roles.

The Stags finished third in their inaugural Greater Spokane League 2A campaign last spring and lost a nail-biter to Pullman in the district semi-final round. Snyder said he expects West Valley and Pullman to be at the top of the standings but does not discount his squad or Clarkston as teams that could rise up to take down the top pair.

The Stags home opener is Wednesday, March 18, at 4 p.m. against Rogers.