Around the Horn

Let's go "Around the Horn" with Salina Ortho, Kansas Pregame's look at some of the top baseball stories from across the state, presented by Central Kansas' largest Orthopedic's Practice, Salina Ortho.

While the Little River Redskin baseball team is rebuilding for the future, junior Logan Renken is showing why he’s preparing for college baseball.

Renken is batting a savvy .539 on the season and earlier this month committed to Cowley Community College. Opposing pitchers know very well who he is as he’s been walked 21 times, including two intentionally.

“I don’t get very frustrated with walks because getting on base and scoring runs is what wins games and that’s what matters, not my average or personal stats,” he said.

He’s got nine extra-base hits on five doubles, three triples and a long ball to go with his three singles.

“I would describe myself as a simple baseball player that just loves the game and sets his standard on playing the game hard and being the guy players want to be around,” Renken said.

The Redskins are reloading for bigger things ahead. They are currently 4-7 on the year. 

“We are very young this year in high school and are on a learning curve,” Renken said. “Next year we’ll be right back where we have been with a good freshman class coming up.”

He committed to Cowley’s Tigers on April 6.

“I really like the culture and expectations of Cowley along with the Midwestern location and hard-working, friendly people.”

His success as a bonafide baseball player has come from work, work and more work.

“I would give a lot of credit to my routine and confidence along with support from my family and community,” he said.

“Definitely routine and mindset going into the box. Understanding what my job is that at bat and trusting in my preparation,” the pitcher/shortstop said.

“The key for me is preparation and sticking to my routine so when I get in the box I don’t have to think about mechanics or any details, just confidence in hitting the ball on a line somewhere,” Renken added.

Renken got a start on his sizzling junior campaign last summer.

“I did play summer ball with a group of guys out of Wichita and plan to again this summer,” he said. “We have a lot of fun and the coaching and competition is very good.”

“Logan is a playmaker and always has more energy than anybody,” teammate Kelton Grasser said.

“Logan is fun to play with and practices hard,” David Crandall noted.

“The player I want to be when I arrive at Cowley is who I am now, but a lot stronger and smarter of a player,” Renken noted.

“I think I just set myself upon knowing I play the game the right way and the guys enjoy being around me,” he concluded.