The Hudson High School baseball program is gearing up for the 2026 season with high expectations, following an outstanding performance in 2025. Last year, the varsity squad achieved a district championship, their first since 2014, and also clinched a league title, a feat not accomplished since 2018. They recorded an impressive 22 wins, contributing to a remarkable 60 total victories across the varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams, signaling a robust and promising baseball system within the school.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Buddy Dice, who boasts an impressive career record of 231-112, the Explorers are poised to be a formidable contender once again. Dice, who began his tenure at Hudson in 2000 and became head coach in 2013, is particularly enthusiastic about the mix of seasoned players and a strong influx of youth from the successful JV and freshman teams. The 2025 season saw Hudson narrowly miss a Regional semifinal victory against Oregon Clay, indicating their competitive edge and potential for deeper playoff runs in the upcoming season.
Key returning players for Hudson include a strong contingent of seniors: Jack Sutton, Connor Eich, Luke Sutton, Chase Dennison, Alex Travis, Blake Bakonyi, Ryan Jones, and Brady Studzinski. These athletes bring experience and skill across various positions. Additionally, junior Xavier Pallo stands out as a top returning talent, expected to be a significant presence at shortstop and on the pitching mound. Pallo's impressive .328 batting average last spring earned him first-team All-Suburban League honors, highlighting his offensive prowess.
The pitching staff, despite the absence of last year's Suburban League Pitcher of the Year Luke Mager and no left-handed pitchers this season, is still considered deep and talented. Jack Sutton, a 6-foot-3 right-hander committed to Adrian College, was dominant last year with a 5-0 record, a 1.29 ERA, and 40 strikeouts in 30.2 innings. Connor Eich, an honorable mention in the Suburban League, and Chase Dennison, committed to Kent State University, also bolster the pitching rotation, with Dennison adding versatility as an outfielder with a strong bat. Other versatile players like Alex Travis and Blake Bakonyi can contribute both in the field and on the mound, adding depth to the roster.
Coach Dice, who was named the Suburban League Coach of the Year in 2025, acknowledges the challenge of defending their title in a highly competitive league. He anticipates tough matchups against teams like North Royalton, Twinsburg, Stow, Brecksville, Wadsworth, Nordonia, and Solon. The team's recent performances include an 11-8 non-league loss to Olmsted Falls, where offensive highlights included Studzinski's double and two RBIs, and Deutsch's strong hitting and stolen base. Conversely, Hudson secured a 9-2 non-league victory over LaGrange Keystone, with impressive offensive contributions from Travis, Deutsch, and Dennison, and a solid pitching performance from Jack Sutton, who earned the win with three scoreless innings.
The Hudson Explorers are poised for another thrilling baseball season, with a deep roster featuring a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. Coach Buddy Dice's leadership and the team's collective talent suggest they are well-equipped to navigate the competitive Suburban League and make a strong bid for another championship run, despite facing the challenge of defending their hard-won title against formidable opponents.
