LUDOWICI -- Players, coaches and fans would just as soon, forget the 2006-07 Long County High School baseball season. With injuries plaguing the team all year, the team was able to muster only 4 wins against 20 losses.
This year, former assistant head coach Brian Thomas takes over the top spot and is optimistic about the upcoming season.
"I feel we are going to have an exciting season," he said.
One area that Thomas knows will be better this year is at the starting pitching position. Last year the team lost 3 of its 4 starters to injuries and the Tide never was able to recover.
This year, the team brings back three seniors on the pitchers mound; Stetson Strickland, Britt Horne and Ryan Simmons.
In addition to these seniors the team also starts the season with four more 12th graders; Earl Freeman on third, John Lindsey at shortstop, Paul Lewandowski in the outfield and Blake Strickland behind the plate.
"All of my seniors have stepped up, both on and off the field, and assumed the role of leaders," Thomas said.
"Our strengths this year seems to be good teamwork and unselfishness."
As for weaknesses, the Coach said, "The one area we are weak in is our depth; as long as we stay healthy we should be solid."
And the Tide may get help in that area once the basketball season is over.
The baseball team kicked off their year last night, traveling over to Jesup to take on Wayne County High School. The Yellow Jackets are in the 3S-AAAA Region, and had a 14-8 record last year, and should have been a good test for the Blue Tide.
Tonight, the Long boys are at home as they take on Bradwell Institute. The Tigers come into the game 0-1, coming off a 1-0 loss to Brantley County. The first pitch will be at 6 p.m.
This year, former assistant head coach Brian Thomas takes over the top spot and is optimistic about the upcoming season.
"I feel we are going to have an exciting season," he said.
One area that Thomas knows will be better this year is at the starting pitching position. Last year the team lost 3 of its 4 starters to injuries and the Tide never was able to recover.
This year, the team brings back three seniors on the pitchers mound; Stetson Strickland, Britt Horne and Ryan Simmons.
In addition to these seniors the team also starts the season with four more 12th graders; Earl Freeman on third, John Lindsey at shortstop, Paul Lewandowski in the outfield and Blake Strickland behind the plate.
"All of my seniors have stepped up, both on and off the field, and assumed the role of leaders," Thomas said.
"Our strengths this year seems to be good teamwork and unselfishness."
As for weaknesses, the Coach said, "The one area we are weak in is our depth; as long as we stay healthy we should be solid."
And the Tide may get help in that area once the basketball season is over.
The baseball team kicked off their year last night, traveling over to Jesup to take on Wayne County High School. The Yellow Jackets are in the 3S-AAAA Region, and had a 14-8 record last year, and should have been a good test for the Blue Tide.
Tonight, the Long boys are at home as they take on Bradwell Institute. The Tigers come into the game 0-1, coming off a 1-0 loss to Brantley County. The first pitch will be at 6 p.m.