Deric Link takes over as the head coach of Fair Play this year. He inherits a team that graduated all three of its all-conference selections from a squad that finished 9-9 last season.
“We are a very young group,” Link said. “We are going to need to learn a lot when it comes to our IQ. We are going to have to have new guys step up on the mound to give us some depth. Guys will have to be unselfish be able to sacrifice and learn a new position for the betterment of the team. Ultimately we will have to learn how to compete every pitch for seven innings.”
Primary pitching duties will fall to the trio of Logan Underwood (senior), Nate King (senior) and Adrian Hartshorn (sophomore). King will also be one of the key infielders when not on the mound. Underwood will be the primary catcher.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
The sophomore quintet of Adam Bass, Lane Neil, Kolin Thomas and Mason Hopkins will be on the infield along with junior Landon Wright. Underwood will be the primary catcher for the Hornets. When he is on the mound, junior Colby Durst will slide in behind the plate. Durst and Hartshorn will be the top two outfielders when they aren’t catching or pitching, respectively.
Fair Play will lean on speed and quickness to be successful this year.
“Our biggest strength will be our speed and quickness. I think we can do something on the base paths to put pressure on the opposing team,” Link said.
Link wants to see daily improvement for his young team in the first season as their head baseball coach.
“For this to be considered a successful season in my mind it will take guys buying into who we are as a group. We are young and inexperienced at the varsity level but we also have a lot of excitement for the game. Having guys come to practice, games, and whatever else we do with a growth mindset of getting better every day and growing as people. That will be a successful season for me,” Link said.
Fair Play opens the season on Mar. 18 at home against Humansville.
