Leadership has become just as important as production for Tucker Goss this season at Ellsworth High School. While the senior has focused on improving his numbers at the plate, he has also embraced the responsibility of guiding a younger baseball team through the season.
Goss entered the year with clear goals for himself offensively.
“My primary focus this season was getting my batting average higher and being better at the plate,” Goss said. “I wanted to hit a home run, as well as maintaining above a .300 batting average.”
He accomplished both.
After posting a .296 batting average with a .465 on-base percentage last season, Goss raised his average to .360 this spring. He also recorded 27 hits, 13 RBI, two doubles, two triples and one home run.
The jump in production came from the work he put in during the offseason.
“I wanted to work on my batting average and my hitting,” Goss said. “In the offseason, I spent a lot of time in the weight room getting stronger and building my upper body. Getting stronger really improved my hitting skills.”
While the offensive numbers stand out, Goss believes his biggest contribution has come as a leader for the Bearcats. With only two seniors on the roster, he understood the importance of helping younger players grow more confident throughout the season.
“Personally, my strengths are being a leader,” Goss said. “This year we only have two seniors on the team and the rest are underclassmen. Encouraging underclassmen to gain confidence is crucial, especially in baseball.”
Goss said his role has centered on supporting teammates and helping set the tone each day.
“My role this year has been to be a team leader, helping and encouraging my teammates,” he said.
As the postseason approaches, Goss said the team’s focus is on playing its best baseball when it matters most.
“A successful season is a deep run in the playoffs,” Goss said. “First, winning the regional game and then seeing where we get put for substate. We want to play our best baseball in the end.”
