Young pitching staff key for A-J baseball

Several players return this spring from Anna-Jonesboro High School’s 2009 regional championship baseball squad.

“I’m optimistic and excited about the season,” A-J baseball head coach Jake Alley said. “We’ve got a good group of upper classmen. But it’s going to depend on our younger classmates on how well we do.”

The top returner from last season’s 14-16 squad is senior infielder Jordan Chamness, who was an all-conference and All-South selection last season.

Other seniors expected to contribute are infielder/outfielder Nick Bound, pitcher/first baseman David Frank, catcher Josh Flamm and pitcher/outfielder Gabe Pecord.

Juniors on the roster are pitcher/center fielder Cody Livesay, first baseman Alex LeFevre, infielder/outfielder Brady Carter, outfielder Chris Baggott, utility player Chad Mayes and pitcher/first baseman Bryce Easterly.

Sophomores who could see varsity action are pitcher/infielder Brady Wright, pitcher/outfielder Travis Smith and catcher Brent Taylor.

“A lot (of success)  depends on if our young pitchers come around,” Alley said, “we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Alley feels the Wildcats could be in the Southern Illinois River-to-River Mississippi Division Conference race.

“I think we’ll be in the running to win the conference,” he said.

A-J opens its season at home against Cairo Wednesday, March 17. The Wildcats are at home Thursday, March 18, against Steeleville.

“We’ve got a pretty tough schedule this spring,” Alley said.

The Wildcats are scheduled to compete outside the conference against Marion, Murphysboro, Shawnee, Egyptian, Elgin, Vernon Hills, Eldorado, Vienna, West Frankfort, Cobden, Carbondale, Zeigler-Royalton and Hamilton County.

Volunteer assistant coaches are Rick Livesay and Adam Smith.