By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Strafford capped a thrilling, 26-5 season with a final four appearance and second-place finish in 2018.
The Indians fell to Malden in the Class 3 title game, and head coach Shane Pierce feels the experience left this season’s group hungry for more.
“We knew we were capable of being a good team, but we had never been in that position before, so we were not sure how our kids would respond,” Pierce said. “I will always remember that team and how much fun they had playing together and the journey to get to where we got, beating some really good teams along the way.”
Strafford says goodbye to a trio of key graduates in Bryce Boswell, Drew Stoll and Michael Wollweber.
Boswell, an all-state infielder, will continue his baseball career at Drury University.
With a host of returning depth and experience, Pierce has high hopes for this year’s squad.
“We are excited for the season,” Pierce said. “We have eight seniors who are extremely hungry after last year, getting so close and coming up short. They are ready to work hard and enjoy the journey.”
A pair of all-state seniors return to lead the Indian attack in pitcher/infielder Tony Caldwell (9-1, 1.33 ERA, 104 K, .319 BA, 29 hits, 24 RBI) and Dillon Turner (5-1, 4.459 ERA, 1.705 WHIP, .402 BA, 35 hits, 26 RBI).
“Tony Caldwell is an outstanding infielder who possesses great hands,” Pierce said. “He is solid at the plate and his strongest attribute is on the mound where he was 9-1 last year. Dillon Turner has made himself into a really good baseball player and is one of the hardest-working kids I have ever had.”
Other returnees include infielder/pitcher Mason Foley (2-2, 8 saves, .875 ERA, 1.375 WHIP, .375 BA, 33 hits, 26 RBI, 5HR), catcher Wyatt Maples (.329 BA, 24 hits, 28 RBI, 3 HR), outfielder Hunter Langston (.260 BA, 20 hits, 10 RBI), infielder/outfielder Dillon Hester (.330 BA, 29 hits, 24 RBI) and pitcher Nick Oliver (3-0, 3.74 ERA, 1.562 WHIP, .283 BA, 13 hits, 13 RBI).
Pierce also has a number of newcomers poised to make an impact at the varsity level, including senior Caleb Sample, senior Brennen Tannehilll, senior Garrett Lumley and junior Jacob Stow.
With a majority of innings pitched last season, Pierce believes Strafford’s pitching staff will set the tone for the team’s success in 2019.
“The strength of our team will be hopefully be our pitching and defense,” Pierce said. “This is what got us as far as we did last year.
Expectations for the Indians are high, and the goal is a return trip to the state finals. Pierce believes the experience of falling just short last season will pay dividends for this year’s team.
“Our guys are so excited to have the majority of that team return,” Pierce said. “They are hungry to try and get back to that game and have another chance. Getting there and not succeeding left a bad taste in all of our mouths.”
To make another postseason run, Strafford will have navigate a challenging schedule loaded with traditional powers including Kickapoo, Nixa and Springfield Catholic. Pierce believes the difficult schedule will only help his team prepare for late-season opportunities.
“Our conference is always tough,” Pierce said. “Fair Grove, Stockton and Clever are always excellent baseball schools that are tough … and districts should be fun. We have no idea yet where we are for districts, but we know that baseball in SWMO is as good as there is in the state.”
Strafford opens its season March 16 at Webb City.
