March 20, 2013 — After a 10-21 season and an early exit in the 16th Region tournament in 2012, the West Carter baseball team will look to improve on that mark in 2013.
With the right mixture of veterans and younger players, the Comets believe they have the necessary tools to come out and have a strong 2013 campaign.
“Our players are excited for the season and are ready to get out on the field and play,” Brown said. “As long as our players compete hard and play baseball the way it is supposed to be played we will be happy as coaches.”
Brown said his players have worked hard in the offseason and in preseason practices to get ready for 2013. Out of the 21 players on the roster, nine are in grades seven through nine.
But one of the top returners is senior Tanner Tackett, who is expected to carry the load both offensively and defensively.
“We lost some good seniors last year and I know as a senior I have to step up,” Tackett said. “This team has more effort than any team I’ve been on here at West Carter. Everyone wants to be on that field and that makes everyone better.”
Some of our other top returners for the Comets are Kyle Stone, Spencer Phillips and Taylor Napier and Matthew Patrick.
“We want to be at least .500 this season,” Patrick said. “We have a lot of power and speed on this team and we expect to use that to our advantage.”
Brown said 2013 will be a challenging season for his Comets. The veterans have shown great leadership so far for younger players, he said.
“Those guys all have different strong points, whether it is defensively, hitting or pitching and will play a major role as to whether or not we are successful,” Brown said.
West expects to be competing for a district championship and for a spot in the Regional Tournament. They will rely on pitching at the start of the season so they can be consistent in putting the ball in play.
“We need for players to make contact and move base runners to give ourselves a chance to score runs,” Brown said. “Defense will probably be our strong point as the season starts. We have to make the defensive plays to protect our pitchers and not allow prolonged innings.”
West Carter started the season this past weekend. They will be at home Friday when they square off with Russell.
MacKenzie Bates can be reached at mbates@journal-times.com or by telephone at 1-800-247-6142.
