Bulldogs bounce back to battle with Bishop Kelly

In professional sports, it’s common to have an award for “comeback player of the year”.

In the Idaho Class 4A baseball ranks, Sandpoint High School could easily be considered the comeback team of the year.

The Bulldogs turned their season around during their final 12 games to earn a spot at the Class 4A Idaho state baseball tournament at Bishop Kelly High School today.

Sandpoint opens up tournament play today against Bishop Kelly at 7 p.m. MST.

The Bulldogs 2022 season came with a lot of peaks and valleys. In its first 10 games, Sandpoint went 3-7. It lost seven out of its last eight games during that stretch.

On April 21, following a doubleheader split with Lakeleand, head baseball coach Chase Tigert and the Bulldogs had an open door discussion in his classroom.

“It was a heart-to-heart open discussion,” Tigert said. “I went through plays and stats and we discussed errors, free bases and all the things that were beating us. We allowed them to ask questions, too. In order to be a good coach and run a successful program, you have to know what they’re thinking. We provided that space for them to talk and ask questions.”

Following the discussion, Sandpoint dropped both games of a doubleheader to Lewiston 6-9, 1-4. Despite the loss, Tigert felt the tide begin to turn for the Bulldogs.

“We really came together and got on the same page on what the expectations were,” he said. “Lewiston was day one of implementing what we wanted to do. We were right there with them; we didn’t give the game away like we did early on in the season.”

The Bulldogs finished 8-4 in their final 12 games, which earned them a state bid.

“The mental side of the game just gets better and better along with the competitiveness,” Tigert said. “The kids finally understand what I’ve been saying for a while now, and that’s been the turning point, their competitiveness.”

The Bulldogs improved every aspect of their game during their final 12 games, especially at the dish.

In their first 10 games, Sandpoint averaged five knocks per outing. It upped that number to seven during the final stretch.

“They just started seeing more pitches and got more comfortable,” Tigert said. “It always goes back to the mental side of things. Plus, these kids hit more than any program that I can imagine. I’ll throw them live. I’ll bring the machine out; it doesn't matter. They’re getting tons and tons of live hacks every day, and of course that helps too.”

It goes without saying, having the support of your teammates goes a long way as well.

That has been a crucial step in the Bulldogs turnaround, along with finding something to rally behind.

During the open door conversation the players made up “Tom”.

To a regular person, Tom may be just a bunch of pool noodles linked together, dressed up in various ways, but the players rallied behind this creation.

A big part of baseball is getting weird and playing to the personality of your team.

Tom has been a good luck charm of sorts for Sandpoint. He travels with the team and has brought out the energy from the dugout.

“The dugout has to be involved during every at-bat,” Tigert said. “We have to give our guy positive energy and support him from our dugout. We’re loud and encouraging now when our guys step up to the plate and they feel the energy that the dugout provides. It gives them additional confidence to do what they do.”

The pitching staff for the Bulldogs has also been a big factor in the improvement on the field. Coming into the season, there was no doubt what the strength of the Sandpoint baseball team was, the hurlers in the bullpen.

The Bulldogs have immense talent that they can throw up on the hill at any given time. When Sandpoint opened up their season, however, it just wasn’t clicking.

“Pitching has been our biggest improvement this season,” Tigert said. “Early on in the season we were walking a lot of guys and we really tightened that up. When our pitchers are throwing and competing, that keeps our defense more invested. Pitching and defense go hand and hand.”

Colin Roos will be getting the start on the mound for Sandpoint in its state opener against Bishop Kelly.

The Bulldogs are very familiar with the Knights. The two teams faced off in the opening round of the state tournament last year. Bishop Kelly came away with the 8-4 victory in extra innings.

“I have a ton of confidence in (Colin) Roos,” Tigert said. “We’re leaving everything on the field with the lights on. I’m looking forward to showing everyone what Sandpoint baseball is all about.”

The game will be streamed live for free on idahosports.com.