Indians expect to fly high
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Bubba Wright and his Gaffney High teammates expect to be celebrating a lot this season.

Gaffney High baseball coach Tom Owens likes his team this season.

What's not to like.

The Indians, who began practice on Jan. 28, return six talented starters and have been bolstered with several impact newcomers, including hard-throwing Tyler Wilson, a transfer from Hartsville High.

Several Indians are also flush with confidence after advancing to the American Legion's Southeast Regional this summer.

"That was a big confidence-builder," Owens said.

Maybe nobody has made bigger strides in confidence than Bobby Jackson, who pitched particularly well in Post 109's historic playoff run.

"Bobby has just gotten so much stronger," Owens said.

Jackson isn't the only talented arm. Returning pitchers John Michaels and Dylan Jolley also are much improved, Owens said.

This year's staff will have more depth with the likes of former jayvee stars Matt Lester, Josh Moss, Bradley Ruppe and Cameron Culp.

Add Wilson, who throws in the upper 80s, to the mix and the Indians have the makings of a deep and talented pitching staff.

"We definitely have some arms," Owens said. "But they have to do it in a game. I'm not scared to put any of the guys in."

Behind the plate will be eighth-grader Josh Mata, who started for the jayvees a year ago.

Although in middle school, Mata plays like a veteran.

"He blocks the ball well and is a good receiver," Owens said.

Michaels also will see action behind the plate.

The infield is set - almost. Bubba Wright and Joe Ben Frye return at first, with Michael Hughey at shortstop and Jackson, Culp, Michaels and Wilson at third. Second base is a question mark with the graduation of Shane Mills.

Jolley and Michaels are splitting time there now, but eighth-grader Michael Wright could ultimately win the starter's job.

The outfield is solid with McCrae Norton at center, Jolley at right and Thomas Goode and Bo Davidson in left.

The Indians have been swinging a hot bat in the preseason.

"We will be a lot better offensively this year," Owens said.

The region shapes up as a battle among Gaffney, Mauldin, Byrnes, Boiling Springs and Hillcrest. But don't bet against the Indians.

"I really will be ticked if we don't do something special this year," Owens said.