Butte Central baseball is ready for takeoff.
And they’re not easing into anything.
The Maroons kick off the 2026 season the only way Butte knows how — with a crosstown showdown against Butte High. No soft openers. No feeling things out. Just straight into a rivalry that always brings juice.
Across town. Early spring air. Two teams that know exactly what’s at stake the second they step between the lines.
That’s Butte baseball.
A New Look, Same Edge
This season marks a major shift across Montana, with high school baseball now split into AA, A, B, and C classifications for the first time.
Butte Central will compete in Class A, giving them a new path as the sport continues to grow — and when postseason rolls around, the Maroons will be playing for a state tournament berth that leads to Polson, where the A, B, and C state tournament will be held.
Year Four — No Longer New
This program isn’t finding its footing anymore.
It’s found it.
Now entering their fourth season, the Maroons are no longer the “new program.” They’re experienced, connected, and battle-tested.
Head coach Richie O’Brien enters his fourth year at the helm, and this group reflects that stability.
“We’re really excited about the upcoming season. We have eight returning starters back. Six of them four-year starters and three of them that have received either all-state or all-conference honors. It’s been a great start to the year to be able to see these guys take the field every day with confidence. They all took their lumps as freshmen and eighth graders, but they took it all in stride, learning from every game and knowing it would all pay off in the end. We’re hoping to collect a lot of paychecks this year.”
That experience isn’t just on paper — it shows in how they carry themselves.
The Roster
- Gunnar O’Brien
- Treigh Hollow
- Kendric McCarthy
- Beau McGree
- Kelton Keane
- Cohen Stajcar
- Tony Stajcar
- Kelsen Brackett
- Camden Ingraham
- Hugh O’Brien
- Marcus Balan
- Logan Bush
- Colt Hassler
- Carson Gillis
- Kelton Berger
- Connor Kachmarek
- Jack Nagle
- Drew Kachmarek
- Jaxon Hiatt
- Trapper Stajcar
A group that’s grown together — and now looks ready to compete.
Built for Games Like This
There’s no better test than opening night against Butte High.
You want to find out who you are?
You’ll find out quick.
And while the rivalry always carries weight, there’s a little less pressure in the standings this time around.
“While I think a crosstown game is important for the kids as well as the community, I’d be a liar if I didn’t say I’m glad it’s no longer a conference game. High school baseball as a whole has gotten more competitive every year. It’s going to be fun to watch the level of play in the AA as those newer programs get a few years under their belt.”
Maroon Pride
Toughness. Grit. Compete every inning.
That’s Butte Central baseball.
Opening night. Crosstown rivalry. Year four.
The Maroons are ready.
Let’s play ball.
