The warm weather experience is not the only indication that spring is rapidly approaching. The Manchester Academy Parks-McGraw baseball field is busy with a flurry of baseballs and bats and prospective players getting ready for the 2017 baseball season. First-year head coach Kyle Wever will lead the Mavericks for this upcoming season. Wever was an assistant coach under Scooter Prince for one year in 2016 and will have the privilege of coaching where he once played in his high school days.
“Being back on the field I played on brings back a lot of memories. I hope that I can use my knowledge of the game to better these players” says Wever. “I have big dreams for this team.” Wever hopes to put the Mavericks in the best position to win as many games as possible. “Our goals are definitely to have a winning season and win a conference championship,” says Wever.
The Mavericks will bring back most of the starters and key players from last year including 6 seniors who will all make an impact in games. Blayke Dendy, who was one of the team’s strongest arms on the mound and best hitters from last season will not be able to play this year. Dendy will miss due to a shoulder injury and consequent surgery. Wever says, “Blayke was going to be a huge factor. However, we have enough depth on the mound to replace him in pitching. In batting, we will miss him a lot”.
Wever hopes junior, Warner Griffin, will step up play third place in Dendy’s spot and newcomer to the Mavericks, Tyler Reynolds, will likely fill in for Dendy as the cleanup hitter. “Tyler is probably our strongest hitter, but the rest of the lineup is strong top to bottom,” says Wever.
The Mavericks enter into this season with a great deal of depth on the mound. They bring back several pitchers from last year as well as new talent to step in when needed. Juniors, Will Fouche, Tyler Reynolds, and Warner Griffin, will provide depth on the mound. The team will also look to returning seniors, Lake Clay and Shumpert Kirksey for leadership. Coach Wever stated, “Pitching is probably the strongest part of our game. Our depth on the mound is going to be really huge for us. I also feel like we do well in the other parts of the game”.
The Mavericks bring back most of the best hitters and fielders from last year. Rainer Roberts returns as one of the better catchers in the district. He is one of many solid fielders for the Mavericks. When not pitching, Shumpert Kirksey and Lake Clay can cover outfield with speed and precision. Speed and power at the plate will balance the lineup and round out the 2017 team.
Coach Wever spoke of some of the leaders of the team. “Several guys have stepped up and taken on leadership roles. Seniors Reece Singleton and Lake Clay have really been stepping up to lead the team,” says Coach Wever.
Senior outfielder and pitcher Lake Clay talks about being one of the leaders. “It’s just about making sure everybody stays straight at practice and gives 100% everyday. We know everybody needs to do the little things right everyday in order for us to have success.” Clay, along with his coach thinks the team is capable of big things. Clay continues, “A state championship is always the number one goal, but a conference championship is something we are really striving for.”
The Mavericks will bring back a ton of experience along with a lot of talent this season. In addition, a new coach to direct the team, and the Mavs strong fielding and deep pitching should convert to wins for the 2017 team. Some timely hitting and quick base running can help propel them past tough opponents.
