By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There will be a new, yet familiar face in the Hurley dugout this season.
Joey Little — who also serves as high school principal and athletic director for the school district — returns to manage the Tigers for a third time following a 2017 final four appearance in his last stint.
Hurley finished 13-10 last season, falling in the district semifinal round to Greenfield.
“We felt like it was a disappointing season getting beat in the semifinal game of districts,” Little said. “Had most players returning from 2017.”
The Tigers graduated a quartet of seniors from that team, including Chase Simpson, William Pope, Kohlton Hicks and Justin Wilson.
Pope has continued his baseball career at North Arkansas College.
A trio of returnees are set to lead the Tigers this season.
Senior Wyatt Pope, a three-year starter, hit leadoff for Hurley last season and will be the team’s No. 1 starter on the mound.
“Wyatt will be the team leader,” Little said. “He’s one of two players with any varsity baseball experience.”
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Senior Thomas Wilson, a two-year starter and second baseman, will also bat near the top of the lineup this season. He could also move to third base if the need arises, according to Little.
Sophomore Clayton Taber played in six games last season as a freshman, and Little has high hopes for his development.
“I will count on [Taber] to step up this year,” Little said. “He is still learning the game and is learning the game quickly.”
With a host of open spots on the roster, a number of varsity newcomers will challenge for playing time, including Devin Hood, Terry Lowery, Avery Meyers, Hayden Grubbs, Nick Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Matthew Wilson, Tanner Shepard and Skyler Seaman.
While Hurley will feature a young, inexperienced lineup this season, Little is confident it can develop quickly.
“We are very, very inexperienced, and I have several players that have never played before,” Little said. “I have a lot of holes to fill because of graduation. I have some talent to work with, but not a lot of experience. I feel we will really struggle early on, but I hope to have them ready for districts.”
Hurley’s pitching staff was one of the areas hit hardest with graduation, but Little views this as an opportunity to develop a new rotation that will be ready to compete late in the season.
“We are not very deep at pitching,” Little said. “Wyatt Pope will be our main pitcher, and I have four or five others that will have to pitch during the season. I hope each time they go out on the mound, they learn something.”
While Hurley’s inexperience will be a significant challenge early, Little feels like he has a team in place that can make great strides over the course of the season.
“I feel the players that decided to play this spring have the desire to work hard and will be willing to listen,” Little said. “How quickly they learn how to do the fundamentals will be our x-factor.”
Hurley opens its season March 15 against Norwood.
