The State High Baseball Team defeated Central Dauphin on May 7 in an emotional senior night matchup.

Before the 4:15 p.m. start time, seniors Michael Powell, Cody Norman, Max Herncane, Lucas Bierly, Cam Machtinger, Jake Hall and Ryden Walker were recognized alongside friends and family as they walked onto the field.  The cloudy sky reflected the emotional atmosphere surrounding the game. However, as the evening continued, the energy from the large crowd gathered behind the field brightened the environment.

State High dominated the first few innings before Central Dauphin quickly began to catch up, leading to an exciting finale. 

The Little Lions got up 8-2 heading into the seventh inning, before Central Dauphin tied it up at eight in the top of the final frame. In the final half inning of his Community Field career, Michael Powell came through with a walk-off double to

It was amazing to see the seniors play for one of the last times, both for the audience and the players. 

“They’re just great role models, and they really set the tone for all of our games. They just know it’s their last season, so they just want to win every game and it’s a lot of fun,” junior Jack Bierly said. 

Seeing the seniors play, it was obvious that they had great chemistry with the rest of the team. Especially in this game, they encouraged their teammates the entire time.

“It was great…I mean, [the team] really came back, but it just made it more interesting, with the great feelings, with the walkoff. I hope we can take this and keep it rolling for our last few games,” Jack Bierly said.

Some of the players will continue playing baseball in college. Herncane, who has been on the team all four years of high school, will play baseball at Penn State Harrisburg. 

“It was a tough top of the sevent inning but for us to come back– and on a walk off on senior night, you know, couldn’t have asked for a better night,” Herncane said.

Despite Herncane suffering an injury in the fall that cost him his senior season, he remained an integral part of the team.

“His connection with the kids through the coaching staff, helping in the dugout and did a really, really good job of staying upbeat,” Head Coach Dan Fravel said.

For varsity assistant coach Dan Fry, it has been an extraordinary experience watching these players compete for years. 

“I had most of these seniors when they were freshmen, that’s when I was the JV coach, so I was lucky enough to be able to coach them for all four years, and it’s gonna be sad pushing them out the door,” Fry said.

“It’s been incredible, some of these guys have grown so much, it’s been so much fun to watch them, Cody [Norman] has grown so much since freshman year. In ability, mentality, all kinds of stuff,” Fry continued. “It’s been really, really fun to see where they’re going, and where they’ve been.” 

Junior Mason Evans, who grew up with his senior teammates, reflected on what baseball has meant to him.

“I just love to play it, it’s my favorite thing on earth, so… Every day I love coming to baseball practice and being with my boys…Everybody’s had an impact on me, [but the largest was] probably Cody Norman. He’s been my bud for as long as I can remember; we played on all the same baseball teams,” Evans said.

Seeing the community that the seniors were determined to cultivate this year was inspiring. Fravel, who just started coaching at State High this year, has seen major improvements within the team.

“Kids have to buy into hustle and mentoring each other, and the seniors were great role models for the underclassmen and helped them elevate. The bonding of the team was pretty close at the end of the year,” Fravel said.

With captains Powell, Norman and Herncane leading the team, the Little Lions established a strong foundation throughout the year.

In an up and down season, Powell’s walk-off on senior night provided a fitting end to the 2025-26 State High Baseball home slate.