The Tiger baseball team faces hurdles and unexpected changes, creating a pressing need for a reliable pitcher. With a deep roster and a commitment to excellence, head coach, John McClure, emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability.
Finding an ace pitcher will be hard, but the Tiger baseball program holds enough talent to experiment with various options. Several seniors, alongside one junior, one sophomore, and two freshmen, stand ready to step up when needed. Despite the obstacles ahead, a sense of hope radiates for this team.
“Last year, we had Tanner Ross and Worth McMillen,” McClure said. “Tanner graduated last year and is playing baseball at Henderson State University.”
Ross posed a significant threat in previous years, but individuals behind him stand ready to take on the responsibilities. This year, senior Worth McMillen, will miss the season due to arm injury.
“Worth was dealing with some arm issues during the spring and found out that he needed surgery over the summer,” McClure said. “So, both of those guys won’t be available for us this year.”
Worth’s injuries leave him out for nine months to a year, allowing others to step up in their roles.
“But, we’ve got several prospects that we’re looking at,” McClure said. “We may not have the quantity of arms, but we’ve got the quality.”
Tiger baseball possesses around ten other players skilled at pitching in different situations when needed, along with upperclassmen ready to step in if necessary. Senior Chandler Williamson is one of these ten players, bringing valuable experience from previous years and travel ball.
“Chandler Williamson has done really well,” McClure said. “He pitched for us last year.”
Jacob High and Hayden Phelps represent additional seniors on the pitching staff list. Both High and Phelps played baseball for most of their lives and bring a wealth of experience to fulfill their roles effectively.
“We’ve got Jacob High that can throw,” McClure said. “Hayden Phelps, he’s dealt with some injury as well, battling his knee problems.”
Despite dealing with an injury, Phelps fights to regain his health and return to the field. Senior Jacob Yowell faces knee issues following an ACL tear, removing him from gameplay. A key asset to the team, Yowell’s absence presents a challenge. Rising to the occasion, Kameron Wrightner, a junior at Texas High, stands ready to throw when necessary.
“Kameron Wrightner didn’t pitch much last year,” McClure said. “But, he’s thrown really well early this year.”
Ensuring each team possesses at least one closing pitcher plays a crucial role in the game. When starting pitchers perform well throughout the game, having a reliable relief option available alleviates much pressure from the players.
“Probably the guy that may be our closer at the end of the game is Knox Pilgreen,” McClure said. “He closed out about two games last year for the first time, he hasn’t really pitched in a long time.”
Kason Schilling, Wynn Wilson, and Blaze Cobb, three underclassmen, will play varsity for the rest of their high school careers. Each player obtains the right amount of talent and work ethic needed to contribute to the field.
“Kason Schilling has scrimmaged in both of the varsity scrimmages with us,” McClure said. “He can pitch, play infield as well as outfield.”
Schilling, a highly skilled freshman player, can take on various roles for the team. So far, he serves as a catcher for the Varsity team, demonstrating excellent performance.
“Wynn Wilson has thrown two innings for us in scrimmages,” McClure said. “Along with Blaze Cobb.”
Wilson, another skilled freshman, along with sophomore Blaze Cobb, can utilize their abilities to the fullest potential.
“So, we have a lot of options,” McClure said. “You know, we would definitely like to have everybody healthy, but when things happen like this, in sports, whatever sport it may be, you see a lot of guys step up.”
Injuries occur everyday throughout the sports world, and nothing anyone can do will entirely prevent them. Bouncing back and seeking alternatives becomes very important.
”A lot of guys that may not have been counted on, and this gives them an opportunity to showcase what they can do,” McClure said. Hopefully they’ll be a big force in the years to come.”
