By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Mt. Vernon baseball will have no shortage of experience back in 2024.
Eight starters and 14 lettermen return as the Mountaineers look to improve upon an 11-12 record last season.
“We were a competitive team last year,” longtime coach Nick Swillum said. “Our pitching and defense was good, but we struggled to score enough runs to win. We lost multiple games by one run. I expect that to change this season as we have many more players who have varsity experience at the plate.”
It starts with junior Braden Dodson (catcher/pitcher). He returns after posting a 5-3 record with a 2.03 ERA on the mound and hitting .373 with 28 hits, 11 RBI and six stolen bases as a sophomore.
“Braden hits leadoff for us,” Swillum said. “He led us in almost every offensive category as a freshman and sophomore. He has speed, power and a high baseball IQ. He is our starting catcher, throwing with a great arm from behind the plate. He is also our No.1 pitcher.”
Other key contributors include seniors Sawyer Anderson (utility), Jake Leeper (left fielder), Sean Raucher (second baseman/pitcher) and juniors Brayden Jameson (first baseman/pitcher), Gavin Johnston (shortstop), Jarrett Zerby (center fielder) and Payton Jones (third baseman/pitcher).
At the plate, Anderson had a .318 average with 21 hits and 10 RBI last season. He also received significant innings on the mound. Leeper batted .290 with 21 hits and nine RBI, while Raucher hit .237 with one home run and a dozen driven in.
“Sawyer has worked hard to improve physically,” Swillum said. “Defensively, he is a great player. He will be called upon to play multiple positions this season. Offensively, his power has improved with his strength. He will also be a contributor on the mound. Jake is a hard-nosed player with great instincts and baseball IQ. This will be his fourth season starting in left field. Sean has worked extremely hard to improve every aspect of his game. Defensively he will play up the middle. This year he will also contribute on the mound.”
Jameson went 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA on the bump and posted a .269 average with 11 RBI. Johnston had a .216 average with 10 RBI, while Zerby hit .215 and drove in seven. Jones, who had a lot of success as a pitcher last year, went 4-2 with a 3.23 ERA.
“Brayden will hit in the middle of our lineup,” Swillum said. “He will be a good defensive first baseman and he will be in the starting rotation. Gavin is a strong-armed shortstop who has worked hard to improve his game both offensively and defensively.
“Jarrett is a speedy defensive outfielder with a good arm and high baseball IQ. He is a highly competitive athlete who works hard and continues to improve. Payton will be a starter on the mound. He has great stuff and locates well. He will also see time at third base.”
Seniors Matthew Tennison (utility) and Brody Thompson (first baseman/pitcher), as well as juniors Wade Adams (right fielder), Hudson Gaddy (infielder), Grayson Gann (outfielder) and Dominic Schnelten (infielder) make up the rest of the returnees.
“Matthew has dealt with injuries the past couple of seasons,” Swillum said. “As long as we keep him healthy, he could be a big contributor for us. Brody will provide us with some quality innings on the mound and at first base. Wade has a lot of potential as a hitter and outfielder. Hudson is a good defensive player in both the infield and outfield. Grayson is an athletic outfielder. Dom has a high baseball IQ with good defensive skills.”
Top newcomers are junior Luke Robbins (outfielder/pitcher) and sophomore Lucas Ross (first baseman/pitcher). Swillum said Robbins could provide the Mountaineers with quality innings on the mound, while Ross has improved himself physically and looks to compete for time at first base and at the plate.
“This year’s team got a lot of varsity experience last year as sophomores and juniors,” Swillum said. “That experience should translate into more confidence at the plate as well as defensively. We return our entire pitching staff from last season and our velocities and control have improved. I expect us to be a highly competitive team and continue to improve throughout the season.”
Mt. Vernon hosts a jamboree on March 9 with Pierce City and Marionville competing. The Mountaineers play at Berryville (Ark.) on March 15 to open the season.
