The ring of the crack of the bat and the pop of the glove is a tad different this season in Salida. There’s a new spark on the field, and it starts with the person at the helm—first-year head coach James White.
White, a former coach for the middle school team, now has a view from the dugout with the Salida High School baseball program this spring. With a clear vision and a no-nonsense attitude, he’s already making his mark in a town where baseball pride runs deep.
The Spartans have shown evidence of change early in the season. The players are becoming stronger, practice is more disciplined, and there is a definite focus in the dugout.
Captain Scout Presley said, “Coach White walked in and set the tone on day one. He pushes us but also trusts us. That’s made a huge difference. Honestly, this season’s been way more fun. The atmosphere’s better, and you can tell the coaches genuinely care about us—not as players, but as people.”
Senior Brody Hudson, one of the team’s standout players, added, “The whole coaching staff has made things feel different this year—in a good way. Practices are still tough, but there’s more positivity. Everyone’s more locked in, but we’re also enjoying the game more.”
Team catcher Ryus Mattix concurred. “Coach White doesn’t take anything. He holds us responsible, but it makes us a better team because of it,” Mattix indicated. “Everybody on the team has stepped up because of it. He’s getting adjusted just fine and believes practice ought to be fun—and we should make winning more of a staple.”
Though still early in the season, the team has already improved its win-loss record compared to last year. The defense is tighter, the pitching staff more confident, and young players are stepping up thanks to White’s emphasis on fundamentals and accountability.
White isn’t promising miracles—just hard work and steady growth. “We’re building something,” he said. “It’s not about one game or one season. It’s about setting a standard that lasts.”
As the sun sets behind the Rockies, the Salida Spartans are seeking something more than winning. With Coach James White leading the way, they’re building a new team attitude.
