Arendell Parrott Academy Baseball Preview: High Expectations for 2025
Arendell Parrott Academy Baseball Preview: High Expectations for 2025
With 409 career wins under his belt, head coach Robert Kravitz knows what it takes to build a successful program. The Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots are coming off an 18-9 season and have strung together winning campaigns every year since 2010. As they enter the 2025 season, the expectations remain the same—win at a high level and compete for a state championship.
“Our expectations are always the same, no matter the year or who’s playing,” Kravitz said. “We want to win and win at a high level while always going for state championships.”
Continuity and Leadership
A key part of APA’s sustained success is continuity within its coaching staff and the multi-sport athletes who bring a competitive mentality from season to season.
“One of the good things about our program is that our coaching staff instills hard work and what it takes to not just be good, but great,” Kravitz explained. “Coach Beaman coaches them in football, Coach Gainey took over basketball and did a great job, and then they come to me. So when baseball season starts, they already know what’s expected.”
That mentality has carried over to senior leaders Jaylen Solomon, Cade Mixon, and JoJo Ferebee, who have been staples in the program for years.
“They’ve been with me since eighth or ninth grade, so they know exactly what to do,” Kravitz said. “They’re like coaches on the field, and they set the standard for the younger guys.”
Home Field Advantage
The Patriots were dominant at home last season, finishing 11-3 in front of their home crowd. The rowdy left-field section and familiarity with their field give them an edge.
“We love playing at home. We usually have great attendance, and that left-field crowd helps us out,” Kravitz said. “There’s just something about home-field advantage at any level, from high school to the pros—it just brings more out of the guys.”
Key Players and Defensive Standouts
APA brings back a talented senior class led by Solomon, Mixon, and Ferebee, who provide leadership and all-around athleticism.
“Those three guys can do it all,” Kravitz said. “They can hit, run, and throw at a high level. Having great athletes on a baseball team makes a huge difference because you can teach them how to play, but their natural ability gives them an edge.”
Mixon is expected to play two sports at the college level, while Solomon is set to play college football. Ferebee, who has the talent to play college baseball, will instead attend Wake Forest University after his high school career ends.
Defensively, Ferebee has been a standout in the outfield since his eighth-grade season. Initially an infielder, his athleticism allowed him to transition seamlessly to center field, where he has thrived.
“JoJo is one of the best defensive outfielders I’ve ever coached,” Kravitz said. “He reads the ball off the bat before it even lands. His instincts are elite, defensively, he’s as good as it gets.”
Pitching Staff: A Strong 1-2 Punch
On the mound, Mixon and Ferebee will lead the way as the Patriots’ top two pitchers.
“They’re competitors,” Kravitz said. “They fill up the strike zone, attack hitters, and pitch with a purpose.”
Backing them up are Jarrett Mooring, a left-handed junior who pitched well last season, and Tanner Outlaw, who brings a fearless attitude to the mound.
“Tanner’s just a dog out there,” Kravitz said. “He doesn’t care who’s at the plate—he’s going to battle every single pitch.”
Lineup Depth and Young Talent
After the three seniors, underclassmen will be stepping into bigger roles. Sophomore Ab Daughety and freshmen Cole Harris and Logan Collins will look to make an impact early.
“Cole Harris has the talent to be really special,” Kravitz said. “I told him the other day, ‘Don’t be afraid to be great.’ He has all the tools—he just needs to believe in himself.”
Junior Nick Blair and Andrew Bland, along with sophomore Daughety, add depth to a lineup that will look to build on last year’s success. Daughety will also get looks on the mound. Behind the plate Sophomore Cole Watson will be a wall for the Patriots.
“We have Cole Watson who will catch for us. He did an exceptional job last year as a freshman for us.”
JV Program’s Impact
A strong JV program has been key in APA’s ability to reload each season. Former JV head coach John Tyre, who played college baseball, has moved up to assist on varsity, while former APA standout Shaq Thompson now leads the JV squad.
“Having a strong JV program helps us a ton,” Kravitz said. “By the time they get to me, they already know what to expect.”
Looking Ahead
APA’s season opens with back-to-back games, scheduled to begin next Wednesday and Friday. Due to weather, the team only recently got onto the field for their first full practice, but Kravitz remains confident in their preparation.
“It makes a difference actually getting outside, but we’ll be ready,” Kravitz said.
With experienced seniors, a deep pitching staff, and a strong developmental system, the Patriots are positioned to continue their winning tradition and compete for a state championship in 2025.
