By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Bulldogs were tested last year, but Cabool now returns seven starters to their squad to once again take on the SCA conference.
“Last year was tough,” said head coach Joey Spittler of the Bulldogs’ three-win season. “Several games rained out early and hurt our confidence. We lost several early games by a run or two and played several state-ranked teams. It was a battle all year to keep the kids’ confidence up, but they fought through it, never gave up and they know what it takes to win close games now.”
Veteran player Caleb Graven, a senior utility and pitcher, will return this season. “He has been a solid starter the past three years for me,” said Spittler. “He has played every position except catcher. He is definitely a baseball guy, it’s his favorite sport and he has a passion for it that I haven’t seen very often. He has been an all-district and all-conference award winner the last two years and I look for him to do it again this year.” Last year, Graven had a .300 average with 15 stolen bases.
Brady Byerley, senior, will cover second base and outfield. “Brady switched from golf to baseball last year and we were all glad he did,” said Spittler. “He led our team in hits and batting average (.379). Brady is very good at staying level and not letting anything bother him.” Byerley was named an all-conference and all-district selection in 2022.
Senior all-district pitcher and infielder Payton Hunter “is another one who has played all over,” said Coach Spittler. “He is one of our best pitchers and he can play anywhere in the infield or outfield. He threw really well last year against some of the tougher teams we played and we are excited about what he will do this year.”
Junior outfielder Braxton McCall was typically found in right field last year. “He was one of the kids that would have a ball hit his way, and as a coach, I just knew he would find a way to make a play,” said Spittler. “He was a solid fielder last year and played a lot of innings for us.”
Will Tucker, junior, was Cabool’s full-time catcher last year and per his coach, managed the games well. “He improved in every area throughout the year,” Coach Spittler said. “He’s another true baseball kid, loves the sport and plays throughout the summer. Tucker earned all-conference honors last year.
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Trey Atkins is a junior utility player and pitcher. “Trey is the type of kid that can just walk into any sport and be very good,” said Spittler. “He is an extremely talented athlete who hasn’t come close to reaching his potential. He will play all over and will be one of our top arms.”
Junior Isaiah White-Wake is a first baseman and potential outfielder who will also contribute for the Bulldogs.
Newcomers include David Taylor, a junior athlete who came out to play last year. “He saw several varsity innings and did well,” said Spittler. “He is still somewhat new to baseball, so he will continue to get better as he learns and gets more experience.”
Kiel Ellison, sophomore, is “a big strong kid who played several different spots for us in JV last year,” Coach Spittler said. “He is one of the guys we need to step up and earn some varsity time this year.”
Sophomore Blayne Davis served as a pinch runner last year in several games and improved all season. “I look for him to push the older guys for playing time,” said Spittler.
Carson Lindsay, sophomore, “is one of the fastest kids we have and should cause a lot of trouble for other teams on the base paths,” Coach Spittler noted.
While pitching remains the team’s biggest unknown, the Bulldogs hope to pick up where they left off and to continue to grow and come together as a team. “My goal this year is to get better every game,” said Spittler.
The Bulldogs will travel to Houston for a Jamboree March 13 to take on the Tigers and the Plato Eagles. They will then travel to Gainesville March 17 to officially kick off their season.
