By Chris Parker
Last year’s canceled season has only motivated the returning Ash Grove baseball players to make the most of the 2021 season.
“Our young men were very disappointed that they weren’t able to display the results of their hard work last season. However, it has motivated them to not take this year’s opportunity for granted. We have a very focused group of players,” Ash Grove head coach Berrah Brown said. “It’s hard to explain how much a cancelled season really affects the players and their families. That’s an entire season that the players didn’t get to bond and further build relationships with each other. Not to mention, parents weren’t able to be as involved in the program. Its definitely had an effect on our town. Being able to let the young men represent their town on the field, and having the town rally behind our players and show their support has been moving on a level I never expected. This season will be a great experience for everyone involved.”
Brown highlighted three seniors in Dalton Carr, Deegan Vauter and Jake Thompson along with sophomores Brock Mooneyham and Parker Crow as team leaders.
Carr is a pitcher and third baseman.
“Dalton is one of our leaders both on and off the field. He displays great poise and composure on the field, and is one of our strongest hitters,” Brown said. “Dalton hangs his hat on pitch control. He has the rare ability to put the ball exactly where he wants it, regardless of the pitch.”
Vauter will play shortstop.
“Deegan is very smooth defensively. He has good range and a strong arm. He’ll be our defensive leader on the field,” Brown said.
Thompson is a utility player who will play all over the infield, outfield and at catcher.
“Jake is an incredible athlete. His ability to play many positions makes him very valuable to our team. However, his ability to drive in runs is his strongest attribute,” Brown said. “Jake will see significant time behind the plate when he’s not in the outfield. Jake’s athleticism makes him a solid backstop.”
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Mooneyham will play up the middle at shortstop and second base while also pitching.
“Brock is a great talent. His baseball IQ and work ethic are incredible. He’s the type of player that makes everyone around him better. He will be one of our stronger arms on the mound,” Brown said. “Brock has great movement on his pitches. He’s good at changing speeds and keeping hitters off balance.”
Crow will play in the outfield and pitch.
“Parker has a strong arm and even stronger bat. His speed and athleticism makes him a fun player to watch. We will also share a spot in the starting rotation,” Brown said. “Parker is another pitcher with great command. He has a very low impact and effortless release, and the ball jumps out of his hand.”
Sophomore Nate Trammel will join Carr, Mooneyham and Crow atop the Ash Grove rotation and also play first base.
“Nate has good movement on all of his pitches. He’s very smart and knows how to work a hitter. He will make a big impact this season,” Brown said.
Sophomores Elijah Morrison and John Rollhaus will both also compete for time behind the plate.
“Elijah is another player with the ability to play multiple positions. He has a quick release and a great arm. He handles the pitchers very well and communicates well with the defense,” Brown said. “John will be valuable behind the plate this year. He will add a strong stick to the lineup, and has a strong arm behind the plate.”
Senior Ethan Gray will play first base.
The outfield will feature Thompson in left, Crow in center and junior Billy Hatch in right field.
“Our team’s strength is definitely our athleticism. Many of our players will be playing multiple positions. This gives us a unique approach to developing a lineup and pitching rotation without giving up defensive strength,” Brown said. “Our team is working very hard to improve offensively. Our success will hinge on our ability to get runners on base.”
Ash Grove opens the season Mar. 19-26 at the Pleasant Hope baseball tournament.
“This season we are looking to lean on our senior leadership to keep our team focused and motivated,” Brown said. “This team shows great potential, and I know the senior group has high expectations.”
