FSCC baseball season begins Saturday

The regular season for the Fort Scott Community College baseball program is approaching quickly. The Greyhounds (18-18 Jayhawk Conference-Eastern Division, 37-21 overall last season) will open the regular season Saturday at Dave Regan Stadium in Fort Scott with a single game against Cloud County at 3 p.m.

John Hill III is entering his ninth season as the head coach of the 'Hounds, and is just 33 wins shy of winning his 300th career game as a head coach. Coach Hill's tenure at Fort Scott has included many accolades, but this season the team has put itself once again in contention to compete for a national championship in the classroom. The team had a GPA of 3.48 in the fall semester.

"I have been incredibly impressed with the efforts of our players both on the field, and in the classroom," Hill said. "Our players take the core values of the program, and make them their own. That is the greatest feeling as a coach, to know that the players take such pride in the values we preach."

Spring practice began for the 'Hounds on January 17. The program returns 10 players, and has added two transfers.

On the mound, Justin O'Laughlin (Chandler, Okla.), and Boby Johnson (Miller, Mo.), will claim the first two spots in the rotation. While returning pitchers only accounted for 37 percent of the innings last year, the coaches will look to a strong core of sophomores to lead the staff this season. Right handed arms Nick Sloan (Paola), and Avery Boehm (Paola), will be the Greyhounds go-to arms from the bullpen this season. Also look for left-handed pitcher Kevin Land (Crosby, Texas), and transfer righty Keller Agre (Olathe) to make significant impacts for the Hounds.

"Pitching undoubtedly is the area that we need our sophomores to step up the most," Hill said. "We've had some injuries this fall that have forced us to rely on a smaller number of pitchers than in years past. However, I feel really good about the work these guys have done, and feel comfortable using them in critical spots. Most of all we need these sophomores to lead the staff. Regardless of whatever happened last year, it's a new year and a clean slate for these guys."

Offensively, the 'Hounds return just three regular contributors from last season's team. Shortstop Danny Crews (Springfield, Mo.), Catcher Harrison Whitworth (Broken Arrow, Okla.), and Outfielder Mackay Williams (Overland Park), all saw significant time for FSCC last season. Outfielder Mitch Sloan also returns after a redshirt due to injury. In addition the Hounds have added transfer catcher Brandon Krennrich (McHenry, Ill.) to help assist. If the offense is going to be successful, it will be important that the returning players produce close to the level they did last season.

"I am excited to see what this offense can do this spring," Hill says. "We don't return very much, but from what I saw this fall I am confident that this group will get the job done this season."

2017 Freshmen Outlook

Greyhound baseball added many promising pieces for the upcoming season. Nineteen freshmen will see their first college playing time in 2017. Coach Hill is excited about the new players.

"It is always an exciting time to see what all of the hard work we have done in recruiting produces," Hill said. "I am especially excited about this group, as I have already seen our new players excel on the field in fall scrimmages, and in the classroom. It will be fun to watch when we play games for wins and losses."

On the pitching side of things the 'Hounds have 10 new arms for 2017. Thomas Connor (Liberty Mo.), Tyler Henninger (Castle Rock, Colo.), Zach Ponce (Atoscosa, Texas), Treston Rook (Olathe), Nathan Miller (Topeka), Kobie Schmitt (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Kyle Smith (Willard, Mo.), Joe Fragano (Fort Worth, Texas), and Brian Aranda (Emporia).

"We expect, and need big innings from these freshmen pitchers this season," Hill said.

"We intentionally recruit a smaller roster so that we can have the kids we want, and know are going to be quality talent. However, with that is always the worry about depth on our team. These pitchers have shown the ability to get the job done; now we need them to carry over into the spring, and stay healthy."

Offensively, the 'Hounds added some bats that will be able to make an impact quickly. Catchers Ben Kiefer (Southlake, Texas), and Andrew Morrow (Omaha, Neb.), both feature the ability to play quality defense, and swing power bats to change the dynamic of the Greyhounds' lineup. A lot of athleticism has been added to the outfield, which is always tricky with the strong winds of a Kansas spring. Ben McConnell (Corinth, Texas), and Mitch McCallister (Lees Summit, Mo.) will help provide some athleticism and speed to an outfield that will need it at blustery Lions Field. On the infield, the 'Hounds have added Andruw Mckenzie (Burleson, Texas), Sean Moore (Waxahachie, Texas,), Aris Nakagawa (Honolulu Hawaii), Carter Young (Fort Scott), and Quinn Waterbury (Plano, Texas).

"I feel as though the group of players we have for the upcoming season is one that could really accomplish some special things in all avenues of the program," Hill said. "They have been professional in their conduct, and have really worked hard to prepare for the upcoming year. We are going to need every player on our roster to help us this upcoming season. 56 games is a lot of games for these guys, but they have prepared for five months to get to this point. It's always an exciting time of year when the season is about to start, the coaching staff is very excited!"

Fans of the Greyhounds can follow the team live throughout the season on GameChanger and all home games will be broadcast with a live video feed through iscore. Information on how to access these avenues can be found on the Fort Scott Greyhound website, www.fsgreyhounds.com.