With differing styles, two seniors are leading the way for Marysville baseball

MARYSVILLE — Trenton Vagi and Connor Randall are two very different players for the Marysville baseball team.

Vagi is a 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher, while Randall plays second base and stands at 5-foot-9. They also each have their own leadership styles, with the former being more outspoken than the latter.

But what's most important is the similarity between the two — they're both seniors leading an unheralded group of Vikings.

"We might not have a lot of upperclassmen," Randall said. "But we do have a lot of talent."

"The younger guys are definitely stepping up and filling some holes," Vagi said. "We lost five seniors last year. So, the (underclassmen) are playing a big role on our team."

With no other seniors on the roster, Marysville (2-5) will lean heavily on its two veterans.

"We've got a lot of youth on the team," Marysville coach Caleb Dalman said. "Even though we have some returners, they're still young returners ... so it's nice to have both a more vocal leader and a more quiet, lead-by-example (leader)."

Vagi's voice is a fixture on the diamond. He's constantly communicating with his teammates, offering advice and reacting in real-time.

"Trent is one kid that has definitely taken a big step forward with leadership," Dalman said. "He's taken some of the younger guys under his wing, especially with the pitching side of it and how to prepare. So not necessarily in-game, but (during his time) in the bullpen and between starts.

Added Dalman: He's one that's put in a lot of work to get himself to where he's at. He's taken those young guys and said, 'Hey man, this is stuff I've done to be successful. These are things that you can do as well.' That's been big."

The righty knew his influence would be crucial to the Vikings this season.

"It's definitely different," Vagi said. "Because you always have to have a (positive) attitude that you can lead the guys with — like a straight face. You can't get down if you mess up. You have to pick your guys up and just play ball."

Randall has assumed that same role. He's more reserved than Vagi. But when the second baseman speaks, people listen.

"You've got to be a good role model," Randall said. "And a big part of that is leadership"

"Connor has always been a quiet leader for us," Dalman said. "He's definitely a kid that comes out, puts in the work and gives you the effort."

That effort is what Dalman wants from his younger players. Like Randall said, the Vikings have a lot of talent. They've already seen flashes of it.

"Andrew Kaski has thrown multiple games," Vagi said of the sophomore. "He's done a solid job at coming into tough spots and getting out of them."

"Keegan Quain (has stood out)," Randall said. "He's a sophomore catching for us. Our last catcher was a senior, so it's a big role that he's doing."

"Luke Badley (has done well) in center field," Dalman said of the sophomore. "Our outfield was definitely a question mark going into it this year. He's stepped up. In the first game, we were a little (unsure). But the first ball that came to him, he caught it, and he's been making some great plays in the outfield."

Those names are just a few examples of what the future holds for Marysville. As for the present, the Vikings want to leave it all on the field.

"We talked (before the season) about wanting to compete," Dalman said. "Guys talk about that day in and day out — wanting to compete no matter who we face. At the end of the day, if you can compete and show up ready to go, then you can hang your hat on that and know that you did your best."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.