Times Observer File Photo by Mark Evans DAVID MANNING

Warren baseball is hoping to have a successful season under second-year head coach Johnny White.

White looks to use last year’s experiences and solid crew of varsity players to lead the team to many wins and successes. White, the WAHS 2015 graduate, is impressed with “the passion and camaraderie that these boys bring to the ballpark every day.”

“They’re playing for each other, and it’ll make them fun to watch this spring, let alone coach. We’ve developed goals for each of them, on and off the field, both individually and as a team. We want to compete for a region title and a district title, as well as make a run in the state tournament.”

White discussed the leaders on the 2026 squad and how they will impact and influence the younger kids.

“We’re lucky we have leaders stepping up in every class this year, including seniors – Eli Snyder, Tage Wyman, Brady Shene, Colin Zdarko, Zane Carlson and, of course, David Manning, our only addition from Youngsville.”

The Dragons have been putting in the work this offseason and are ready to throw the first pitch.

There are also a number of younger Dragons looking to make an impact.

“We’re going to be seeing quite a few others that are stepping up as leaders with varsity experience,” added White. “Juniors Bradey Chase and Charlie Blum, sophomores Broc Bryan, Heath Genis and Gabe Thibodeaux, and maybe a few freshmen that have already shown that leadership as well. I’m especially excited to see how Broc, Heath and Gabe grow from last year, getting varsity experience as freshmen that get to learn from Bradey and Charlie.”

Setting goals is something all coaches do, even when the going gets tough. White looks beyond the numbers on the scoreboard to determine wins and losses.

“The goals our staff has set with ourselves is to continue our grind to establish the attention to detail, discipline and work ethic these boys need to succeed in everything,” he said. “To focus on the little things every day is a very strenuous task, something I learned the hard way from Coach Calliari at Penn State-DuBois.”

White added: “If you focus on the big picture without paying attention to the little things and details that you need to accomplish on a daily basis, then you’re going to struggle. The result is the 18 chances to learn and get better than we had last year. This year this team, staff and players want to turn those learning experiences into success this year.”

With a solid mix of senior leaders and underclassmen looking to make an impact, it is clear the Dragons are excited for the 2026 season and are hungry for success, one at-bat at a time.