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It's a new look for the Fairfield Indians baseball team with first-year coach Larry Price taking over the program. But the mission remains the same.

"We're hoping to restore the Fairfield tradition and get back to state," said senior catcher Kyle Ottaway, who has signed with Central Michigan. "And we'd definitely like to get into the top ranks of the GMC."

Fairfield finished .500 a year ago at 12-12 overall, including a 7-11 record in GMC play.

The Indians had the second-lowest average (.258) in the GMC last year and allowed nearly five runs per game, the second-most per contest in the conference.

"The key to this season will end up being the pitching," Price said. "We have plenty of kids. They will just have to come through for us.

"I'm really excited to get started," Price added. "We're not going to be favored this year in any way and are probably picked to be in the bottom half of the (Greater Miami Conference)."

The Indians graduated their only all-conference player in Aaron Revel, but they hope there are others to fill in the gaps.

Ottaway is one the standouts Price is counting on to turn the program around. Shortstop Phil Bauer,

a Xavier recruit, John Burden,

Mike Haney and David Pritchard are among the

others.

"We're expecting some good things from these players," Price said. "We're expecting a lot of these guys this season."

The Indians lost a 3-0 decision to Springboro in a scrimmage.

"I thought the kids did pretty well," Price said. "We looked good and our defense did well, we just didn't hit well."

While this is Price's first year as the head coach, he has been involved with the FHS baseball program since 1990.

"Price coming on as head coach has been great," Ottaway said. "We're learning a lot more plays and learning more about situational hitting."

It's the offense that needs work heading into the season opener Monday against Lakota East.

"We're feeling pretty good for the opening of the season," Ottaway said. "Our defense is pretty solid. We just need to hit and stay on top of the ball and we should be fine."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5128 or dheil@coxohio.com.