2003 Season Forecast

On Monday, February 1st the Pioneers took the field for their first on-field practice. The Pioneers had a good first practice with Coach Gum, Rhodes and Qualls all available to work with them.

In discussion of the Pioneers potential this year, Coach Gum felt confident that they are competitive with the other 4A teams. While the loss of Sam Cooke (.384 at the plate, 6-1 on the mound with 7 HR's) will be particularly difficult to fill, the loss of Senior outfielders Tim Rainey and Chris Carrodine will also have an impact. Together, the 2002 Seniors provided a strong example of leadership and a great work ethic that will be difficult to replace. However, the Pioneers do have 6 returning starters, who have experienced a .750 season with a State Runner-Up title returning this year. The Pioneers have great depth in the bullpen with Burba, Altom, Gatlin, Henrickson & Rogers. While Burba and Altom are still in Basketball, the other Pioneers have already shown an increase in skill and speed from last year.

Coach Gum believes that 4A East is THE conference for baseball in the 4A division. This is evidenced by the fact that 3 of 4 schools in the State Championship Semi-Finals were 4A East schools. With teams with the strength of Nettleton, Greene County Tech, Paragould and Vilonia in our conference we are definitely in a strong contest for the Conference Championship. In particular, Nettleton will be a strong opponent. With the 2001 and 2002 Conference Championships, 7 returning starters including Cody Fry, a strong Division I prospect, Nettleton will be a key competitor. Greene County Tech, our competition in the Semi-Finals last year, will also have a number of starters returning. Paragould should be competitive with strong pitching and Vilonia, also a past State Champion has now moved to the 4A East. The loss of Osceola and Newport, traditionally weak teams and their replacement with Vilonia and Beebe will also step up the competition a notch. While statewide there are many competitive programs, Coach Gum felt that in particular Sylvan Hills (down from 5A this year) was of particular note. Also, he expects Malvern, Greenwood and Harrison to field strong teams this year.

As always, the Pioneers will play to win, and to continue the Winning Tradition they have always maintained.

Rule Review #6

There is a runner at third, with 2 outs and 2 strikes on the batter. The runner takes a huge lead and attempts to steal home. The pitcher pitchs the ball and it strikes the runner in the strike zone. What is the umpire's call? Would it be different if there were less than 2 outs?

If you think you know the answer, drop me an email at I know the Answer! If you get the first correct answer I'll credit you for your superior baseball rules knowledge on the site.

Rules Review Disclaimer: These interpretations are my own. They may well be incorrect. I try to research them well before I use them, but the rules of baseball, which seem very simple, often are not. The point of the review is to stimulate thought and to clarify situations that I know have presented difficulties in the past. So my apoligies in advance for any mistakes that may creep in.