Like every spring sports team, the Agate baseball squad is awaiting the opening of their 2023 season. At the time of this writing, the Agates have yet to even practice outdoors, much less play. That should change this week, as the schedule gives them a more than challenging opening game Wednesday at Rock Ridge, a Thursday game at Wade Stadium facing Denfeld, and a Saturday matchup at Proctor. All three of these games will be held at a school with artificial turf.
Coach Tim Bott has a coaching staff including his father, Tom Bott, along with assistants Adam Labat and Jessie Larson, who will work with the younger players. The Agates have thirty-four players ranging in grades seven thru twelve, which allows them to field full varsity, junior varsity, and junior high teams teams. Four seniors are on the team.
Bott says, “We have a three-headed monster of starting pitchers, along with some talented relievers. The starters include Sebastian Bark, Ethan Bopp, and Thor Tokvam.”
Junior Thor Tokvam said, “I think I was about two or three years old when I started playing baseball with my Dad and I have always loved it. I have had the chance to play travel baseball with the Duluth Expos and it has been really fun. I pitched a lot and still pitch, but now play the most in the outfield and I love that too.”
Thor says that he thinks fellow Agate Sebastian Bark is one of the best pitchers in the area and having him and a “bunch of good players and good athletes” should give his team a good chance to go deep into the playoffs.
