By Chris Parker
Marionville baseball returns six starters from last season’s district championship team that won 12 games.
Those six are Bradyn Batchman, Brodie Wilson, Garrisen Smith, Jace Vickers, Trayce Silk, Will Crumpley.
Vickers, Smith and Silk will lead the pitching staff.
Vickers sat 80-84 with his fastball last season and finished the year with a 3.50 ERA. He has a strong 12-6 curveball. Smith had a fastball velocity in the 77-80 MPH range in a closer role. He will see more innings this season. Silk has a good feel for his change-up and breaking ball.
Crumpley returns behind the plate at catcher.
“(Crumpley) has been the varsity catcher for the past couple of years and is going to have a great senior year with all the off-season work he has put in,” head coach Nick Hopper said.
Crumpley and Vickers were highlighted as team leaders by Hopper.
The infield lineup is not quite set, but it will be a strength.
“I think our strengths this year will be our infield because we’re returning more than half of what it was last season,” Hopper said.
Hopper wants the team to grow both on the field and off the field.
“(We want) to grow our walk with Christ and help these young men to become grown men,” Hopper said. “(We want) to play baseball as hard as we can. Effort is all I am asking.”
Marionville opens the season Mar. 24-29 at the Pleasant Hope Tournament.
