2019 SPRING PREVIEW: HURLEY BASEBALL
There can be a brand new yet familiar face in the Hurley dugout this season. Joey Little — who also serves as excessive faculty major and athletic director for the faculty district — returns to manipulate the Tigers for a third time following a 2017 final 4 appearance in his last stint.
Hurley completed 13-10 last season, falling within the district semifinal round to Greenfield. “We felt love it become a disappointing season getting beat in the semifinal sport of districts,” Little said. “Had most gamers getting back from 2017.”
The Tigers graduated a quartet of seniors from that group, including Chase Simpson, William Pope, Kohlton Hicks, and Justin Wilson.
Pope has endured his baseball profession at North Arkansas College. A trio of returnees is set to guide the Tigers this season. Senior Wyatt Pope, a three-12 months starter, hit leadoff for Hurley remaining season and maybe the group’s No. 1 starter at the mound. “Wyatt can be the team chief,” Little stated. “He’s considered one of two players with any varsity baseball revel in.”
Senior Thomas Wilson, a -12 months starter and second baseman, may even bat near the top of the lineup this season. He may also flow to third base if the want arises, in keeping with Little. Sophomore Clayton Taber performed in six video games closing season as a freshman, and Little has high hopes for his development.
“I will count on [Taber] to step up this yr,” Little said. “He continues to be learning the sport and is gaining knowledge of the game quick.” Some of the varsity freshmen will project for gambling time with some open spots on the roster, including Devin Hood, Terry Lowery, Avery Meyers, Hayden Grubbs, Nick Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Matthew Wilson, Tanner Shepard, and Skyler Seaman.
While Hurley will feature a younger, green lineup this season, Little is confident it could expand quickly. “We are very, very inexperienced, and I have several players that have never performed before,” Little stated. “I have quite a few holes to fill because of commencement. I actually have a few experts to work with, however not a whole lot of experience. I sense we will certainly warfare early on. However, I desire to have them equipped for districts.”
Hurley’s pitching workforce became one of the regions hit hardest with graduation; however, Little views this as an opportunity to develop a brand new rotation with a purpose to be prepared to compete overdue within the season.
“We are not very deep at pitching,” Little said. “Wyatt Pope can be our main pitcher, and I even have 4 or five others that will have to pitch during the season. I hope each time they go out on the mound, they research something.”
While Hurley’s inexperience might be a mammoth task early, Little looks like he has a group in place that could make notable strides over the season’s route. “I experience the gamers that decided to play this spring have the preference to work hard and may be willing to concentrate,” Little stated. “How quickly they learn how to do the basics might be our x-thing.”
