After coming oh-so-close to a district championship last season, Stoutland baseball prepares for the 2017 season with a new coach guiding the team.
But he’s not an unfamiliar face to Tigers fans and players.
Andrew Doyle, who was an assistant coach with the team last season, will be the head skipper this spring.
He’ll have some new names in the lineup this season after the Tigers graduated four starters from a 14-10 overall team that finished as runner-up to Plato in the Class 2 District 9 tournament. Plato went on to place 3rd in Class 2.
The biggest graduation loss is Michael Gray, who was the team’s ace pitcher last season and is now playing at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. Dylan Fry also moved to Camdenton, opening up a fifth starting spot in the lineup.
Stoutland will bring an intimidating presence to the batter’s box this season. All four of the Tigers’ returning starters – Colton Shepherd, Evan Mathews, Jake Pendergrass and Stone Mathews – stand 6’1 or taller.
Senior Colton Shepherd will be the focal point of Stoutland’s lineup, playing many roles.
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“Colton has the power to go deep and be a gap to gap hitter,” Doyle said. “He had a very good fall for us and we will need more of that this spring. He will have to play many positions for us this spring. He will play a corner infield position, pitch, and catch for us. He will also be one of our captains and a leader on and off the field.”
Mathews stands 6’5” and is in line to be Stoutland’s No. 1 pitcher this spring. He’ll also do some occasional catching.
Pendergrass provides stellar defensive play in the outfield and has a capable arm when on the mound. Mathews is likely to be the team’s No. 2 pitcher and is a control pitcher.
“He commands the strike zone and is the guy we go to to get out of a jam,” Doyle said. “He has proven himself capable of working out of stressful situations. He will also play a major role offensively. He has the ability to drive the ball with authority and will need to be a big run producer for us.”
Stoutland’s remaining lineup will be filled out by seven names who are either new to varsity or played sparingly last season.
Brian Starner (P/IF), Timmy Peterson (OF) and Zachary Thieman (IF) will see time at multiple positions.
The junior class includes Colten Frey (P/C), Denver Smith (OF) and Kailab Logan (OF/IF). Smith and Logan bring speed to the team.
Sophomore Wyatt Lauder offers will provide a strong bat as either a DH or pinch-hitter.
“We look to build on our fall season. We have a lot of new faces from last season’s team that lost to Plato in the district championship game,” Doyle said. “Even so, our goal this spring is to get back there. We are also looking to make a run for the conference championship.”
