Hamilton Southeastern High School was established in 1967. Baseball was one of the only sports offered by HSE from the beginning, leading to its legacy.
The 1978 season opened the gates to a successful Royal reign. This momentous year awarded the baseball team with the IHSAA sectional. This was the first IHSAA sectional awarded to any sport at HSE. The Royals went on to win another 3 sectionals in 1979, 1980, and 1983.
1988 was an outstanding season, as it claimed the Royals as regional champions. This was the team’s first regional title, setting a precedent for future seasons.
The Royals earned another sectional in 1990, closely followed by the semi state win of 1993. HSE won the semi state but fell to Lafayette Harrison in the championship game. 1996 rang in a seventh sectional title. In 1988, HSE was ranked as the largest high school baseball team when the IHSAA switched to class sports. This led to a change in the tournament format.
1998, HSE earned another sectional and regional title. In the seasons of 2002, 2003, and 2004, HSE won sectionals. In 2004, the team returned to Evansville after winning regionals but lost at semi state.
Following the 2004 season, the Royals experienced a championship drought until their resurgence in 2013. The Royal reign was resurrected by the sectional winnings of 2013 and 2015.
The Royals claimed their first state championship in 2019 against Columbus East. This game was played at Victory Field, finishing the night with a winning score of 3-2.
“Spanning a 40-year career coaching baseball at HSE,” Ken Seitz, the Varsity Asst. Coach (2010-2025) and Varsity Head Coach (1977-2001), recalls from his time coaching, “it has become a part of our family. Each family member has played vital roles within the HSE baseball program impacting the success of the program!”
“Facility improvements.” Ken Seitz hopes for new opportunities supported by new amenities, “The current baseball facility field is 36 years old.”
The future of baseball is optimistic as it mirrors its successful past. “Over the years HSE baseball developed a “winning tradition” with much success.” Ken Seitz aspires, “Hopefully current and future players and teams will embrace accomplishments of past years and become a part of that tradition.”
