Experience and depth define the Beachwood baseball team heading into the 2026 season, as the Bison look to turn last year’s growing pains into a step forward in the Chagrin Valley Conference.
“Our coaching staff is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for this team. We have eight starters returning from last season. We also have a few upperclassmen who are joining the varsity squad this season, along with a handful of underclassmen who are fighting for the remaining spots in the lineup,” said Beachwood head coach Matt Lamovec. “These guys have been working hard every day, which gives us optimism for the upcoming season.”
That optimism starts with senior shortstop and ace Ethan Malek, a second-team all-conference selection who impacts the game in every phase. Whether he’s commanding the mound or anchoring the infield, Malek also provides a dangerous bat in the heart of the order. Alongside him, Gavi Lappen returns as another key senior who continues to grow into a frontline role, bringing valuable innings on the mound while adding production at the plate.
Lineup Depth and Emerging Contributors
In the outfield, Caleb White gives Beachwood a proven run producer after leading the team in RBIs last season, while also providing steady defense. Around him, the lineup continues to evolve with players who earned their opportunities through performance. Eli Ward emerged late last season with a consistent bat and now enters the year as an everyday presence, while Henry Strean offers versatility between first base and designated hitter.
Up the middle, Jonah Greller provides stability at second base, and Lucius Venditti adds athleticism in center field while also contributing on the mound. The Bison also welcome impactful additions, including catcher Highley Devine, whose energy and leadership behind the plate have already stood out, and sophomore Nico Medina, a left-handed arm who also has the potential to be a difference-maker offensively. Fellow underclassman Jack Rindsberg adds further depth as both a pitcher and hitter.
Help Ohio Varsity Tell More Stories
Ohio Varsity is independently owned and provides local coverage of high school athletes, teams and communities throughout Northeast Ohio.
One-time and monthly donations available through PayPal.
“From the coaches’ perspective, the maturity of our returning starters will help them step up as leaders this year,” Lamovec said. “Our expectation is for players to compete on every pitch, regardless of the situation.”
Offensive Focus Heading into 2026
While the pieces are in place, Beachwood knows improvement at the plate will be key to taking the next step.
“Last year, we were not as effective at pushing runs across the board as we would like to have been,” Lamovec said. “This year, we are focusing on approach at the plate and situational hitting to improve on our production from last year.”
With experienced hitters such as Malek and White leading the way and emerging contributors like Ward and Medina stepping into larger roles, the Bison expect to be more consistent in run production.
Pitching Depth Could Be the Difference
If there is a defining strength for Beachwood, it is the depth on the mound. Malek and Lappen headline a staff that features multiple options capable of logging meaningful innings, including Venditti, Medina, Ward, and Rindsberg. Additional depth from Jordan Uria and freshman Elliot Lappen gives Beachwood flexibility throughout the season.
“Pitching is definitely our biggest strength. We have more depth this season than we have had in the past and are looking to get significant innings from six or seven guys this season,” Lamovec said. “We will lean heavily on these guys during conference play.”
Team Chemistry and the Path Forward
With a mix of veterans and newcomers, Beachwood’s success will come down to how well the group comes together.
“In order to be successful this season, we need to focus on having a team-first mentality,” Lamovec said. “We have a group of players with different skill sets that complement each other well when everyone is on the same page and working together.”
If that chemistry develops and the offense catches up to the pitching depth, Beachwood has the pieces to take a meaningful step forward in the CVC this spring.
Beachwood Bison Baseball
