Photos courtesy of Cartershots
The Pampa Harvesters return to the diamond for the first time in their 2026 campaign on Tuesday when they host Vernon for a scrimmage.
The Harvesters are reloading after a 2025 season that saw the Harvesters win in the Bi-District Round of the playoffs before graduating seven seniors. Now Pampa will reload with a squad who have seen what it takes to be playing baseball when the calendar turns to May thanks to that playoff run.
Coach Austin Samulowitz
“We’re returning eight guys who were on that playoff roster,” Head Coach Austin Samulowitz said. “They weren’t starters, but they were a part of the experience, the travel, the high-pressure situations, and a part of the extra practices. Anytime you can get two extra weeks of practice while others are staying home, it gives you a leg up.
“So I feel like that will play into our confidence a little bit, knowing we’ve been there and we can do it again.”
Those vying for those roster spots left by the graduating seniors had an opportunity to develop and learn under those players.
“They know it’s their time to shine,” Samulowitz said. “They are all excited; it’s their turn, and they are ready to shoot their shot. There’s a coaches’ saying, ‘Success breeds success.’ Those guys have been a part of it and know what it takes to make it happen.”
Senior Max Neff will return as catcher and join a squad including fellow Seniors Boston Botello (More than 30 district starts), Jaime Soto (helped win their Bi-District title), Greyson Paronto (1B/Pitcher), Conner Hall and Jack Dyer.
After the Harvesters lost more than 150 innings due to graduation last season, Soto and Paronto will lead the pitching rotation, with Neff filling some relief roles. There will also be some younger players stepping up in the bullpen as well.
Those guys will get plenty of practice reps with 13 non-district games, including two tournaments at Levelland and the Randy Keller Memorial Tournament, including a game at Hodgetown during the latter.
“As a coach you always want to keep a balance of games you think you can win and games that prepare you for district,” Samulowitz said. “At Levelland we get to play Lubbock-Estacado and Lubbock-Christian, both very good programs. When we go to Keller we will get to play Levelland and Trinity Christian there.”
The Harvesters play in one of the toughest districts in the state with Canyon, Randall, West Plains, Borger, Dumas, Perryton, and Hereford.
“It’s one of the toughest districts in the state from top to bottom,” Samulowitz said. “Borger has a D-1 pitching commit. Dumas is bringing back their ace pitcher. Perryton brings back their ace pitcher. Our district is looking to be very strong in baseball, like it always is.”
Playing in a tough district does have its advantages, though.
“If you can make it out of district play into the playoffs, you’re going to be battle-tested,” Samulowitz said. “We were. We won six out of seven district games by one run. We were battle-tested and experienced. I think that’s going to play into our returning guys, because they know we have to come out of a tough district and win the tough games.”
Joining Samulowitz on the coaching staff will be Seth Foster and Jason Farmer.
Coach Seth Foster
The Harvesters will have Optimist Day on April 24, Senior Night on April 14, and Teacher Appreciation Night on April 7. The Alumni Game will be on Feb. 7.