By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The name Tanner Barnes is well-known in Cabool, as the Bulldogs’ new head baseball coach is also a former standout player. After a year teaching and coaching football, basketball, and baseball at Willow Springs, Barnes joined his alma mater’s staff and now also coaches football and basketball at the junior high level.
He takes the reins of a baseball team that went just over .500 last season with a 11-10 record and a second-round loss in district play, then lost five starters to graduation, with two now playing collegiate baseball.
Four lettermen return.
Brody Noirfalise, junior shortstop and pitcher, batted .264 with 18 hits and 20 stolen bases as a sophomore. “Brody is our best returning hitter,” said Barnes. “He also led the team in stolen bases. I expect him to do a lot for us this year all around the diamond.”
Senior Carson Lindsey, outfield, is one of the only seniors on a young team. “He will be expected to be our vocal leader,” said Coach Barnes. “Carson is our fastest kid and we will use that to our advantage in the field and on the bases.”
Carson Long, junior, is an outfielder and pitcher. “I’ve known Carson since he was a little kid, said Barnes. “He’s always been a baseball kid and works on his baseball skills even when he’s playing football and basketball.”
Ian Kidwell, junior, is a 6’0” infielder and pitcher. “Ian is going to have to step up this year,” said Barnes. “He’s a baseball kid and will be big for us on the mound, in the field, and at the plate this season.”
Newcomers to the varsity squad include junior Brody Munoz, infielder and pitcher. “Brody is a hard worker and a baseball kid,” said Barnes. “I see him being a middle infielder and he may get some varsity time on the mound.”
Freshman Oliver Appleton, catcher and outfielder, “is a hungry freshman,” per his coach. “He likes catching and has worked at it a lot,” added Barnes. “He may get some time behind the plate and/or in the field this year when we need him.”
Heath Blackwelder is a sophomore playing catcher and utility. “I expect Heath to step up and be big behind the plate for us this year,” said Coach Barnes. “He will be filling the shoes of a senior that played varsity for a few years.”
Aiden Monter and Dryden Long are each 6’1” freshmen who should see varsity time.
“Our goal is to be aggressive defensively and to create defensive mistakes on offense,” said Coach Barnes. “This team is different from most teams. We have quite a lot of juniors and freshmen, but very few seniors and sophomores. One thing we have that others may be lacking is speed. We will use that to our advantage in all aspects of the game – in the field, at the plate, and on the base paths – and won’t be afraid to play small ball.”
Barnes is eager for his first season at the helm. “I’m most looking forward to seeing our young team have success and to improve this season as baseball players,” he said.
The Bulldogs will jamboree at Houston with Plato and Houston March 17 and host their home opener vs. Alton on April 1.
