By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
What do Justin Beal, Derek Ezell, Kenny Hart and Juan Hernandez have in common?
Well, as any Joplin baseball fan knows — or should know — they were baseball players for Missouri Southern last season.
They combined to produce several pleasant memories — mostly offensive — as Southern posted a 35-20 record for Southern coach Bryce Darnell.
That’s history, of course, and the Lions’ success this season will depend a great deal on how well and how quickly their replacements can deliver.
“We have several question marks this season,” Darnell said Tuesday. “We need those guys returning to repeat their performances and a few of the less experienced or new players to have solid seasons.”
The Lions, Darnell added, will have an intangible to combat this season. It’s the result of a successful campaign.
“People (the opponents) expect us to be competitive and they won’t look past us,” Darnell said.
Darnell admitted that’s a welcome challenge for a ballclub the caliber of the Lions.
All-MIAA players returning in the field for the Lions include junior first-team third baseman Skyler Rawlins, senior second-team outfielder Zach Caldwell and senior second-team shortstop Jacob Taylor (moving from second base).
Team-leading numbers for Caldwell included average (.381), runs scored (63) and stolen bases (31). Rawlins averaged .340 with nine home runs. Taylor averaged .351 with 21 extra-base hits and 49 runs batted in.
The outfield, with Caldwell entrenched in left, could have freshman red-shirt Zak Porath in center and juniors Patrick Deao or C.J. Matthews in right.
Darnell has three catchers in senior Trent Owens, junior Lee Hall and junior Joe Lincoln. Owens averaged .322 with six homers and 40 RBI.
Leading candidates at first base, according to Darnell, are sophomore Shayne Hoke and senior Michael Zurmehly. Junior Vince Pironti or freshman Dane Kolkmeyer likely will be at second.
Hoke averaged .351 with three homers and 28 RBI.
The current Lions have at least a decent act to follow on offense. The 2009 edition averaged .332. It swiped 76 bases to rank second-best in team history.
The Lions are scheduled to open the season with a three-game series at Southern Arkansas in Magnolia starting with a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Friday. Starting time is noon for Saturday’s single game.
Southern is slated overall for eight road games before opening at home with a 1 p.m. twinbill on Feb. 20 against Rockhurst.
