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