Eastside Catholic’s Trio of Freshmen Ready to Make an Impact
With No. 24 on his back and big dreams ahead, Kobe Reese leads a rare group of Crusader freshmen stepping into key roles.
SAMMAMISH – When Eastside Catholic handed out jerseys for the 2025 season, freshman Kobe Reese was given No. 24.
In the Pacific Northwest, that number carries lofty expectations, especially when the athlete wearing it plays center field.
That number belonged to the Mariners’ G.O.A.T., Ken Griffey Jr., and now it belongs to Reese, one of three freshmen starting for the Crusaders this year, alongside Tyler Long and Hudson Shock.
Both Reese and Eastside Catholic coach Kyle Larsen said having the freshman wear No. 24 was accidental, but fitting, both figuratively and literally, as it was simply the uniform that fit Reese best.
“Definitely an accident, but a great number to wear,” Reese said. “Having the name Kobe and wearing No. 24, it feels great.”
As if wearing No. 24 weren’t enough, Reese also has a first name to live up to.
“My dad grew up in California, big Lakers fan, had to name me Kobe,” Reese said. “It’s a great name to carry.”
Having one, let alone three, freshmen in the starting lineup is unusual for the Crusaders.
“Very uncommon,” Larsen said. “In 14 years, there have only been a handful of guys who walk into tryouts and make you say, ‘Wow, maybe they’ve got a chance to start that young.’”
Reese, Long, and Shock all made that kind of impact during tryouts.
“I think we’ve maybe had two or three freshmen start from Day 1,” Larsen said. “Typically, you’d love to see guys play JV and develop a little bit, but there are those few who walk into the right situations, with spots open, and you realize, they have a chance to do something special.”
Larsen said the trio made the decision easy on the coaching staff, they don’t carry themselves like freshmen.
Reese stood out because of his size, athleticism, and an unforgettable round of batting practice.
“He put together the best BP round I’ve seen in 14 years,” Larsen said.
Long, who will also play outfield and some second base, is “short, scrappy, quick, and can really swing it,” while Shock, whose future is likely at catcher, will start his career in the outfield.
“He’s super athletic,” Larsen said. “Puts the ball in play, hits the ball hard. He swings it well enough that we needed to find a spot for him in the lineup.”
On his right wrist, Reese wears a pair of rubber LSU wristbands, a reminder of his dream school.
“LSU is a great school,” he said. “LSU or UCLA, that’s where I want to be.”
If he performs in games the way he did in that first batting practice session, that dream might just become reality.
For now, though, his focus is on growing alongside his fellow freshmen as they step into big roles for the Crusaders, who are 1-0 so far this season.
“We’re throwing them into the fire right away,” Larsen said. “It’s going to be fun to watch them grow, deliver, mature, and be in the lineup for the next four years.”
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Excited for your baseball coverage, Mason! Thanks for another great post.