Sawyer Giles is beginning his fourth and final season of varsity baseball and hopes to clear one final hurdle before his career ends by competing in a postseason game.
Rhinebeck will open its 2026 season at Spackenkill on April 9. The Hawks will host divisional rival Webutuck in its home opener on April 13.
“I would love to make sectionals,” said Giles. “There is a lot of good competition out there. I think just coming off a tough year, any improvement would be great.”
One of the ways teams can qualify for the Section IX tournament is by finishing .500 or better against divisional opponents. Rhinebeck competes in Mid-Hudson Athletic League’s Division IV with Webutuck, Pine Plains and Millbrook.
“That’s my goal,” said coach Aaron Brooks of qualifying for sectionals. “This is my third year now and I have not been there yet. We’ve been close both times where we needed a win against Pine Plains, Millbrook or Webutuck, and were not able to close it.”
Brooks highlighted Giles, senior Troy Martin and sophomore Oscar Clark for having impressive preseasons.
“Sawyer is an absolute leader,” said Brooks. “He loves the game and he wants to be here. He puts in the effort, which is so huge to just have guys who want to be here and put in the effort, who work hard every play no matter if it’s practice or a game. If you can have 16 of those guys, you’re going to be pretty good.”
Brooks added on Martin and Clark, “Troy is going to be good this year; he’s very good at the fundamentals. Oscar is very determined to have a better year and he’s looking good so far.”
Rhinebeck also has a freshman catcher, John Haight, who has opened some eyes in preseason.
“I’m just excited to learn from these guys, play against some older competition and get better,” said Haight.
Brooks pitched for six seasons in the Seattle Mariners organization and shares what he learned with his young players.
“I look forward to coming here every day whether we’re winning or losing,” he said. “I love baseball more than anything. Getting to teach these kids what I love is a lot of fun. I think the winning will come and winning will make it more fun.”