2005

New Pioneers - Continuing Tradition

published Thursday, Feb 3, 2005

The 2005 season finds the Pioneers in a very unique position; with only 1 returning starter, players almost exclusively underclassmen, and with a new coach. It would seem that in almost every way they will be starting anew. However, there is something tangible that remains with them from previous years. They are the current 4A State Champions, and will begin the season with a 17 game winning streak. The Pioneer Winning Tradition includes 8 Conference Championships, 4 State Championships, and 3 State Runner Up Titles. They have been to the Championship game for 3 consecutive years. The “New” Pioneers do have something old, a Tradition of winning equal to any in the state. It is this tradition, this rich history, of dedication and determination to excel, that they carry with them onto the field this year. I am certain that they will live up to and enrich the tradition that has made Pioneer Baseball the envy of the state.

The Pioneers new Coach, Mark Rush, while new to the Pioneers is not new to baseball. He has coached at the High School level for 14 years, beginning his career at Oak Ridge Central HS at Ravenden Springs, moving to an assistant coaches job at Atkins and then returning to the Head Coach position at Concord. Coach Rush led the Concord Pirates for 5 years during which he achieved a 96-31 record with a Regional Championship, a State Championship and a state record setting 41 game winning streak. Coach Rush is a BHS alumni having graduated in 1979 and brings with him 2 new Pioneer fans in his wife Lolita and daughter Halle. When asked why he returned to Batesville and left a very successful program in Concord he replied that while Concord has a great program and great kids he could not pass up the opportunity to come to Batesville and participate in one of the best baseball programs in the state.

The Pioneers have been practicing and working out in the field house, with field practices planned to begin Wednesday, February 2. While the fieldhouse workouts have gone well, Coach Rush stressed that there is still much to do and learn when field practices begin. He believes that there are 3 crucial factors to a successful baseball team. First, a good pitching staff, the next requirement is timely hitting and finally solid fielding. “We are in good shape when it comes to our pitching staff. While we may not have a dominating pitcher, we have great depth, with at least 5 solid pitching prospects.” He continued “ Evan Eary is looking like he could be our number 1 with Addison Rayford also pitching well. Casey Aycock and Cameron Ward also are looking solid.” “It looks like we could get a big hand from sophomore Cody Aycock, he has nice velocity with a good breaking ball and change up. He may be the surprise of the year.”

While discussing fielding positions, beyond having returning starter Hunter Platt pegged for Center Field, Coach Rush said all remaining positions were still open. “We'll have to get them on the field and see how everyone works there, you just can't tell much in the fieldhouse.” He did mention Kelly Davis as his key utility player. “He can pitch, catch, play infield and outfield, making him a great defensive asset.” Batting is another factor not easily judged until field practices begin. “We have some players stroking the ball in the cage, but you have to get them on the field to get a real feel for their abilities. From what I've seen so far I do expect them to hit well.” He concluded with “I'm just ready to get on the field and get the season started, I know that the players and our fans feel the same way.”

The Pioneers will begin their season at home on March 4th when they face off against the 5A East Jonesboro Hurricanes. The Pioneers are 18-3 against the Hurricanes with their last meeting a Pioneer victory in the final game of the Paragould Invitational tournament last year. The Pioneers have chosen a tough opponent for their first outing with the Hurricanes returning a seasoned squad from last year, but with the 4A East being one of the toughest conferences in any classification in the state they will be the first of many strong opponents the Pioneers face this year. I would like to invite everyone to come out and support the Pioneers, I know its difficult to make the early afternoon games and the weather is often far from friendly, but we as fans can participate in this rich tradition by being there for them whenever we can.