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 Region 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 jayvee 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.