Putnam County Baseball 2025

Jackson Dodd earned All-Region first-team honors. FILE PHOTO

Jackson Dodd earned All-Region first-team honors. FILE PHOTO

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Six War Eagles earn All-Region honors

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The Putnam County baseball team wrapped up its first season with new head coach Stephen Phillips in April.The War Eagles went 11-20 overall in Phillips’ first year, but made a trip to the state playoffs, where they lost to rival Washington County in the first round.
Putnam County junior Wyatt Sims was a key role player, filling in whenever needed. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Wyatt Sims was a key role player, filling in whenever needed. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Future appears bright for Putnam baseball

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Stephen Phillips learned a lot about his players during his first season as head coach of the Putnam County baseball team.The War Eagles were eliminated in the first round of the postseason by Washington County. They finished the 2025 season with an 11-16 overall record.
Putnam’s Gates Lanzarone got the start on the mound in game two against Washington County last Friday. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Putnam’s Gates Lanzarone got the start on the mound in game two against Washington County last Friday. BRAD HARRISON/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Details doom Putnam in baseball playoffs

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Washington County swept Putnam County last Friday to advance to the second round of the state playoffs. The Golden Hawks’ pitching staff exhibited dominance, limiting the War Eagles to just two runs over two games.Washington County started Ty Mobley on the mound for game one, and he hurled a gem.
Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley (12) hit a grand slam against Locust Grove last week, giving the War Eagles the lead. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley (12) hit a grand slam against Locust Grove last week, giving the War Eagles the lead. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Big win provides playoff confidence for Putnam

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Putnam County ended its regular season on a strong note, winning four straight games heading into the state playoffs. The War Eagles (11-15) swept McNair to conclude region play and then upset Class 4A’s Locust Grove.
Putnam County shortstop Gates Lanzarone (11) applies the tag to a Jasper County baserunner, who was initially ruled out, while colliding with teammate and second baseman Trace Watkins. The call was then overturned, leading to the runner scoring to secure the Hurricanes the win during the next at-bat. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County shortstop Gates Lanzarone (11) applies the tag to a Jasper County baserunner, who was initially ruled out, while colliding with teammate and second baseman Trace Watkins. The call was then overturned, leading to the runner scoring to secure the Hurricanes the win during the next at-bat. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles lose heartbreaker to Jasper

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
A controversial call on April 9 cost Putnam County baseball a possible region win over Jasper County.The game was tied 6-6 in the bottom half of the eighth inning with one out when Hurricane sophomore Gavin Bennett attempted to steal second.
Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley has been one of the arms head coach Stephen Phillips has relied on this year. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior Ethan Whatley has been one of the arms head coach Stephen Phillips has relied on this year. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Pitching puts Putnam in better place

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Putnam County baseball head coach Stephen Phillips has seen his team vastly improve in the last few weeks.The War Eagles struggled early in the season in several aspects, including consistency on the mound and throwing strikes.
Putnam County’s Gates Lanzarone attempts to catch a ball in mid-air as a Social Circle player slides into second base safely. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Putnam County’s Gates Lanzarone attempts to catch a ball in mid-air as a Social Circle player slides into second base safely. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Mistakes cost Putnam against Redskins

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Last week, Social Circle showed why it’s one of the top teams in Class A Division I by sweeping Putnam County. The No. 4 Redskins easily took the three-game series against the War Eagles, winning 9-1, 14-4, and 13-5.
Junior left-handed pitcher Ethan Whatley has been one the arms Putnam County has relied on this season. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Junior left-handed pitcher Ethan Whatley has been one the arms Putnam County has relied on this season. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles moving in right direction

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The Putnam County baseball team has been on a tear recently, winning three straight entering this week.The War Eagles began the season with a 2-2 record before losing six games in a row. However, they quickly turned things around last week by starting region play on a strong note by sweeping Towers.
Junior Ethan Whatley will be one of the arms Putnam County head coach Stephen Phillips will rely on this year. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Junior Ethan Whatley will be one of the arms Putnam County head coach Stephen Phillips will rely on this year. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Putnam coach puts pitching at a premium

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Pitching is important in high school baseball, especially at the Class A Division I level, and Putnam County head coach Stephen Phillips recognizes his team has struggled on the mound to start this season.
Putnam County’s Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box last season during a first-round playoff game against Worth County. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County’s Gates Lanzarone stands in the batter’s box last season during a first-round playoff game against Worth County. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

New baseball coach ‘excited’ about fresh start for War Eagles

Lance McCurley
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Putnam County’s baseball season began this week under new coach Stephen Phillips, who took over from Mike Phiel last summer.Phillips stepped into a good situation, as Putnam County returned a lot of talent this year.
Subscribe to