Bishop Adds Youth To Improve Season

February 03, 2009

by Arthur L. Mack, Press-Register Sports Coorespondent
After a tough 2008 season, Bishop State baseball coach Mark Johnston is hoping 2009 will bring better results.

Bishop State won only six games last season.

"We're looking to be a lot better this season," said Johnston. "We have 21 guys, and we have better baseball players. Last year, the guys tried hard, but we couldn't make the plays last year. The guys we have now played at a higher level of baseball in high school.

"I'm hoping that our strengths will be defense, and our pitching should be pretty good. If we play better defense, we'll stay in ball games."

Though Bishop can improve, its record might not show it with competition in Southern Division of the Alabama Community College Conference.

"This particular league is pretty good, and you don't get much sympathy if you lose," said Johnston.

The Wildcats return five veterans in pitcher/infielder Trey Rose, pitcher Eric Meeks, designated hitter/first baseman Chris Smith, pitcher/outfielder Joe Corley and outfielder Ronald Travis (who hit near .300 last year).

Joining them are 16 freshmen, with several of them hailing from the Mobile area. One of the more notable players with local ties is former Satsuma pitcher/infielder Josh Blalock. Others include former Theodore star Elliot Washington, who will see time at shortstop and center field, and may well wind up being the team's leadoff hitter, and Jamie Eckstein, a member of Jackson's state 4A championship team.

Some other notable Mobile area players include Caleb Graham (Foley), a left-handed pitcher who will also play some at first base, and Blake Dodd (Mary Montgomery), a first baseman.

"With all of the new players we have, we should be pretty competitive," said Johnston.

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Contact:
Herb Jordan
Director of Public Relations
P: (251) 405-7135
F: (251) 432-7812
hjordan@bishop.edu