By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There’s a lot to like about the Purdy Eagles in 2021.
Deep pitching staff. Experienced players. Promising newcomers.
But first, Purdy must shake off the development rust from a lost 2020 season.
“We pride ourselves in outworking opponents at practice and being prepared every day we take the field,” said Purdy coach Joshua Hughes. “We will need to practice at a higher level than any other time before to make up for time lost from last year. If we buy into this and work hard from day one, this could be a special group.”
Purdy’s led by a four-player senior class.
Clay Henderson is the “center piece” of Purdy’s lineup, Hughes said. Henderson sets the tone with his work ethic.
“He is a great leader and can do numerous things for us,” Hughes said. “He could play about any position and bat anywhere in the lineup. He will have a huge impact on our success this season. His effort at practice will teach our younger guys how we go about our business and help us win games now and in the future.”
Jake Brown became Purdy’s starting center fielder as a freshman and hasn’t left there since.
“He gets to balls and makes plays look routine,” Hughes said. “He also gives us a great arm on the mound and we expect this to take even a bigger step forward this spring. He should be a tough out at the plate as well.”
The Eagles’ go-to pitcher is Andres Aldaba. Hughes praised Aldaba’s presence and control on the mound.
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“We look for him to give us a chance to win every night he gets the ball,” Hughes said. “He will also help us win on defense and at the plate also. He had a great offseason and has been working on being prepared for his senior year.”
Third baseman and pitcher Osiel Aldava impacts the game in a lot of ways. He handles the hot corner, has a dominant fastball, hits in the middle of Purdy’s lineup and runs the bases well.
“We look for big things from him in all areas of the game,” Hughes said.
All four of Purdy’s seniors will pitch at some point, Hughes said.
Purdy’s junior class features Zach Henderson and Matt Cornelius.
Zach Henderson is a utility player capable of playing the outfield, pitcher or catcher. He’s been a courtesy runner since his freshman year as well.
“We look for him to take a bigger role and shore up our outfield this spring,” Hughes said. “He could be a big piece of the team this spring.”
Cornelius is a quality hitter and continues to improve defensively on the infield.
“Matt has a chance to be a huge bat for us this spring,” Hughes said. “He has worked hard in the offseason and we look for him to produce for us.”
Purdy’s sophomore class will finally experience a full season of spring competition.
Josh Brown, Bosten Goetz, Trey Hughes and Travis Hughes will all contend for playing time.
“Our sophomore class is very talented, but missing last year has hurt our development with them,” Joshua Hughes said. “We need them to step up and be able to compete this spring immediately.”
Josh Brown could end up starting at first base or the outfield, Joshua Hughes said.
“We like what he brings to us defensively and he has continued to work and improve at the plate,” Joshua Hughes said. “He has the potential to be a big part of our program for the next three seasons.”
Goetz will start at catcher. He has a high baseball IQ; he could even take over pitch calling this spring, Joshua Hughes said.
“Bosten will be one of the best receivers and blockers in the area,” Joshua Hughes said. “He has continued to build strength in the weight room and has really worked on the throwing side of the game. He has a good bat with great speed that will add to our offense.
“Our pitchers will have great success with him behind the plate.”
Trey Hughes will contend for a corner infield position and could earn innings on the mound. Twin Travis Hughes gives the Eagles another option in the outfield and could become one of Purdy’s regular starting pitchers.
“Trey gives us depth in a number of areas and has a very high baseball IQ; he understands the game well,” Joshua Hughes said. “We expect Travis to compete for a starter’s job on the mound and give us quality innings when he’s pitching. He provides some occasional pop at the plate and we look for that to increase this spring.”
Purdy is seeking its third straight district title (excluding 2020) this season.
The Eagles have been one of the area’s top programs over the last decade. Since 2009, Purdy has won seven district championships.
Purdy graduated just two seniors from its 2020 team, but both were all-state level players in Andrew Martinez and Zane Brown.
“After missing last year and bringing a huge number of guys back, we are ready to compete,” Joshua Hughes said. “We missed out last year and have a huge hole in our heart for our two seniors who we couldn’t compete with one more time.
“Our guys want to play for those two guys and want to make them proud.”
Martinez (OF) was a four-year starter and two-time all-state selection. Purdy’s skipper said that Martinez was primed to earn all-state honors for a third time in 2020.
“Andrew had one of the best bats in the area and was a top ‘toughest out guy’ in the state,” Joshua Hughes said. “He didn’t get out much and when he did, it was usually productive out or a hard-hit ball. He’ll be tough to replace offensively and defensively.”
Martinez is continuing his baseball career at College of the Ozarks.
The Eagles also graduated one of their top two-way players in Zane Brown. The former all-state pitcher emerged as difference-maker his sophomore year when he struck out six straight batters to clinch a district championship for the Eagles.
Brown was set to be Purdy’s No. 1 pitcher for the second straight season. After graduating, Brown enlisted in the military.
“One of the most competitive kids I have ever coached,” Joshua Hughes said. “He’ll be successful in everything he does, all because of his drive and competitiveness.”
Newcomers to watch include freshmen Hunter Lee and Gauge Davidson. Lee can play anywhere, but will likely get most of his initial varsity playing time as a relief pitcher.
“We’re excited about what he brings to the program and look forward to him helping us for the next four years,” Joshua Hughes said.
Davidson is already one of the team’s fastest players. He’ll contend for an outfield spot and be a vital pinch-runner off the bench.
“(Davidson) can steal bases and give us chances to score more runs,” Joshua Hughes said. “We are expecting him to battle for us and compete for a starting spot from day one. His speed can be a game changer.”
The Eagles travel to McDonald County on March 15 for a four-team jamboree that includes East Newton and Diamond.
Purdy begins the regular season March 20 in a doubleheader at Monett, against the Cubs and Clever. Purdy then hosts its own tournament March 22-26.
Along with a tough SWCL slate, the Eagles also have non-conference games against several schools from the Big 8 and top teams in Class 2 and 3.
“We need to be able to compete early and get prepared for districts,” Joshua Hughes said.
