By Chris Neyenhouse
Mansfield is in a great position to improve upon their 12-11 record from a year ago. The Lions bring back an experienced team with returning starters up and down the lineup card.
“Our team leaders are a great group of seniors that are hungry to prove themselves,” said head coach Joe Garrison, in his seventh season at Mansfield and 24th as a head coach. “They have the most experience. And their ability to show toughness when times are tough is going to lead us through the spring.”
The team features seven seniors, led by pitcher/infielder Carter Garrison.
“Carter has pitched in many tough games for us the past two years,” Coach Garrison said. “He has a lot of fight on the mound and can keep us in any game. He has also led us in many offensive categories, hitting .373 with 22 hits.”
Kaden Koble is another key senior.
“Kaden is our best infielder and has pitched in a lot of tough games throughout his career,” Coach Garrison said. “I trust him on the mound against anyone. He is also a top hitter for us and we rely on him to drive in runs for us in the three-hole.”
Senior Brock Gray and junior Charlie Grubbs round out a core four of pitchers the Lions will be relying heavily on this season. Junior Braden Tate will handle the catching duties. Other seniors include third baseman Judd Waterson, right fielder Ashton Pierson, designated hitter Austin Kingery, and pinch hitter Cole McGuire. Junior Blake Henry is an incredible athlete who will see plenty of action as well.
“It’s tough to say who has made the most improvement over the past year,” Coach Garrison said. “We have many guys that are upperclassmen and starting to realize just what they as a team and as a player, are truly capable of doing. As we develop our mental toughness each day, many of the things that held us back in the past, will fall away.”
Charles Henry, Riley Pierson, Bryston Kingery, Kadyn Ivy, Owen Rhodes, John Roberts, Kellen Campbell, Cole Whorton, Fisher Croney, Brayden Stewart, Aiden Garrison, Aaron Veenstra, Weston Bennett, and Braden Tate lead a strong core of underclassmen who are in the mix for playing time.
“Our biggest strength should be our experience,” Coach Garrison said. “We are mostly upperclassmen that are extremely hungry to prove themselves. Our pitching, defense, and offense are all capable of big things. As our toughness in adversity develops, we will be a team to watch!”
Mansfield hosts Willow Springs to begin the season March 15.
