The 2019 UHA baseball team boasts one of the top players in the 2nd Region in Mississippi State signee Drew McGowan, coupled with a strong returning group, and some young talent to fill in the gaps. The Blazers closed last season losing 6 of their last 7 to finish 9-15, falling to Hopkinsville in the first round of the 8th-District tournament.
The Blazers will be looking for their first winning season since a 19-12 mark in 2014, and a return to the 8th-District title game would be the first since back-to-back losses to Christian County in 2016-17.
The team returns intact from last season, with the exception of departed left-fielder Malik Lovan. McGowan is projected to compete for a spot in the outfield next season at Mississippi State, but will feature predominantly for the Blazers as a pitcher and catcher. Also taking their turn on the mound will be sophomore Luke Welch, senior Dan Johnson, and junior Tanner Thomas, with the possibility of a couple of young arms developing as the season progresses.
Welch and Johnson figure to once again man the infield corners at 1st and 3rd, with freshman Dustin Moon returning at 2nd base. Seth Hancock, a Trigg County transfer, could step in at shortstop to round out the infield. Freshman Eston Glover played up the middle last year as well.
Two-thirds of the outfield is back, with senior Zach Naylor in right field and junior Scribby Goode in center. The Blazers numbers are up this season with 18 players on the roster, with Coach Chris Hamby expecting 14-15 to consistently contribute. 8th-grader Ben Stone served as a designated hitter last year, with a handful of other 8th-graders ready to create competition for spots.
The Blazers are scheduled to open the season on the road on Monday against 8th-District rival Fort Campbell. UHA outscored the Falcons 24-1 over two meetings last season.
Listen as 6th-year head coach Chris Hamby previews the Blazers’ season.
