By: Shayla Terry

Last season, the Luverne Tigers baseball program finished without any seniors to replace, and now Head Coach Brad Horn says he expects his five seniors to lead the way.

“We’re going to improve in our leadership,” he said.

“With five seniors, I want something for the younger guys to look up to, and learn how to react without me as a coach telling them everything. These five seniors should be coaches on the field also.”

The varsity senior players are first baseman Marquise Davison, center fielder Antavious Brown, catcher Blake Weaver, left fielder Blake Meadows and pitcher/second baseman Hunter Blake Stallings.

Horn says the time spent last year developing pitchers will pay off in the season to come.

“I’m excited because they’re experienced now,” he said.

“Last year they were inexperienced, and they grew as the season went on. Our pitchers have thrown live a few times, and they look pretty good. They’re ready to jump into the games this year.”

Last year, the Tigers made it to the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by New Brockton.

Hitting the ball is a challenge that Horn says that the team is always trying to get better at.

“To me, the toughest thing is hitting the baseball,” he said.

“We’re really working on getting our timing down for hitting.”

The Tigers will open their season against Highland Home on Monday, Feb. 20. The program has acquired a new locker room and dugout. Monday’s game will feature an opening ceremony, with the first pitch being delivered by Crenshaw County Schools Superintendent Dr. Boyd English.

“We’re going to have Dr. English throw the first pitch, and celebrate the people who have been instrumental in raising the money for us to be able to build this building that we have.”

Opening ceremony will begin a 12:45 p.m.