By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lebanon Yellowjackets baseball program finished with a 15-9 record in 2019, falling to Rolla in the district opener.
Head coach Dustin Young had every reason to be optimistic heading into the 2020 campaign with a strong senior class set to lead the way.
Then Covid-19 happened.
Entering his ninth year at the helm, Young is uncertain how the lost season will impact his program moving forward.
“There are so many layers to dissect regarding the impact, that we may not know for quite some time,” Young said. “From a physical aspect, the lack of experience, missing out on repetitions, and time lost in the weight room come to mind first. There have been changes to how we have prepared for this season compared to years past. Adaptability seems to be the main constant at this time, and we will continue to adapt as much as possible whenever needed.”
Eight graduated seniors move on from the program, including Kayne Buckley, Drew Dustin, Tyler Graham, Curtis Mobley, Tyler Paul, Troy Reynolds, Hagan Smith and Colton Zeigenbein.
Buckley (Fontbonne University), Graham (Missouri Southern University) and Reynolds (Lake Land Community College) will continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level this season.
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While the senior class didn’t get to play a single game last season, Young believes the group’s work ethic and leadership definitely left a positive mark on the program’s future.
“Something that I don’t believe is talked about enough with the 2020 class is how they handled the events of last spring,” Young said. “While we are all disappointed and frustrated we weren’t able to compete together, I never heard a negative word from them or noticed a ‘woe is me’ attitude. We mention regularly that there is no greater honor than sacrificing for someone else, and they lived that throughout last spring.”
Like most teams in the area, varsity experience will be limited for Lebanon as it prepares for the season.
The Yellowjackets return a trio of players with varsity experience in senior pitcher/outfielder John Greenwood, senior catcher Drew McBride and junior pitcher/infielder Zack Stewart.
Greenwood compiled a 2-0 record with an 0.57 ERA as a sophomore.
“John Greenwood brings our only experience on the mound at the varsity level,” Young said. “He has good velocity and great control of his off-speed pitches. He has developed quite well offensively, as well, offering good speed and power from the left side.”
McBride served as the team’s primary DH during his sophomore year and received all-conference and all-district honors.
“Drew McBride brings us experience offensively,” Young said. “He is a power threat from the right side and should hit for a high average. He also offers experience behind the plate and has strong leadership skills.”
Stewart hit .397 with 3 HR and 24 RBI as a freshman, earning both all-conference and all-district honors, as well.
“Zack Stewart is a junior this season who brings us a lot of power from the left side and can hit for a high average,” Young said. “Zack will offer defensive flexibility in the infield and be one of our strongest arms on the mound when he is called upon.”
With little varsity experience returning, there will be plenty of competition for playing time throughout Lebanon’s roster.
Varsity newcomers include Isaac Ledbetter (OF, SR), Logan Wise (UTIL, SR), Hunter Honey (INF, SR), Drew Truelove (OF/P, JR), Ty O’Neil (P, JR), Brendan Black (P/CI, JR), Max Groce (OF/P, JR), Bennett Schnitzer (CI, JR), Collin Wilson (OF ,JR), Peyton Mitchell (INF, JR), Mason Farris (OF, JR), Andrew Dent (INF, JR), Ian Carr (UTIL, JR), Justin Dameron (UTIL, JR) and Evan Fohn (UTL, JR).
“Most of these guys play multiple sports, so we anticipate the learning curve to be sped up as a result,” Young said. “We encourage our athletes to participate in multiple activities throughout their high school career. There are many benefits to doing so; one of those being leadership opportunities. We feel confident that our senior class has already been thrust into leadership positions and plan on them continuing to hone those skills throughout the spring baseball season.”
With a host of multi-sport athletes, it won’t be surprising to see the Yellowjackets turn to a potentially deep pitching staff as it looks to develop a solid rotation this season.
“In a year of uncertainty that is 2021, we have went with the mindset that we may need anyone on our team to get us through innings at some point during the season, from our freshmen through our seniors,” Young said. “We have to keep the ball in and around the zone. As with any pitching staff, walks are the kryptonite. I feel that we have a good blend of pitchers that have higher velocity along with guys that work well with the movement on their pitches and disrupting timing. At the end of the day, we have to pitch to promote weak contact and let our defense work.”
While a lot of uncertainty remains heading into the season, one thing will remain constant in Young’s program … the team’s overall work ethic.
“A constant in my time here at Lebanon has always been the blue-collar mentality these young men have,” Young said. “This year will be no different. These young men love to compete. They love to learn. They love each other. I would say those are our biggest strengths. We are excited about our offensive potential. We are excited about the potential of our pitching staff. We are excited about what our defense can be. I believe our biggest strength is the brotherhood we have with this group.”
After hosting a March 12 jamboree with Marshfield and Conway, Lebanon opens its season March 20 with a home double-header against Carl Junction and Neosho.
