Belgreen relies on senior-heavy team
The Belgreen Bulldogs have a luxury not many teams have this year locally, and that’s a strong group of returning seniors. For a team that went to the second round of the state baseball playoffs this past year, the expectation among the team is for more.
“Getting to the playoffs last year was a great reward,” said Belgreen coach Nathan Vincent. “All those guys are back, and they are hungry for more after getting a taste of playoff baseball.”
Vincent has good cause for optimism with his team.
“We have a great combination of senior leadership and experience along with some younger guys with experience as well,” said Vincent.
The seniors – Brody Vandiver, Carson Cox, Canaan Stough, Jackson Galliano, Alex Jarnigan and Cole King – have grown up in the Belgreen program with Vincent since the ninth grade.
Vincent said he feels like his team strength is exactly where it needs to be, but he also knows that strength can get even stronger with work.
“Pitching will be our strength,” said Vincent. “All three starters are back and have another year to improve, but our pitchers need to work on getting ahead in the count and not getting themselves in a hole.”
Vincent said this team can be special if they keep working and improving.
“The senior leadership on this team and the experience is a great positive, but our guys need to be resilient.”
Belgreen plays in Class 1A, Area 13, with Vina, Hackleburg and Phillips.
BELGREEN VARSITY BASEBALL ROSTER
No. Name
0 Will King
1 Peyton Turbyfill
2 Cole King
3 Joshua Richeson
4 Landon Cox
6 Tyler Mann
7 Emiliano Jimenez
8 Brodie Vandiver
9 Carson Cox
10 Alex Guidry
11 Caige Smith
12 Canaan Stough
14 Jackson Galliano
15 Benton Gargis
16 Manny Gonzalez
21 Alex Bush
23 Alex Jarnigan
25 William Gargis
32 Chandler Welch
34 Dalton Gardner
42 Elyshah Mitchell