In a rebuilding season last year under new head coach Ben Aldridge, the Eupora Eagles saw a lot of growth.
The team went just 7-22, but the Eagles were a much better team by the end of the year as they finished in the second round of the playoffs losing to a Pine Grove team that went to the North State championship.
After battling through devastating injuries and youth, Aldridge’s team spent the summer taking a big step forward. He believes his team is ready to go and contend for a Class 2A, Region 4 crown this year.
“We had a really good summer and had an opportunity to just play baseball,” Aldridge said. “We had a lot of things come together last year and found out who could do what. We were able to really build off that side of it. Once we found out who could do what, we were able to move forward in those roles.”
After having a team of young players last year, the Eagles will have some veteran leaders this season. It’s a group led by Ty Murphy who has been a big part of Eupora baseball for several years and just finished off the best football season in years with his leadership at quarterback.
Murphy brings that same mindset, leadership and work ethic to the baseball diamond as well.
“Ty is a great kid and a great player. You can’t say enough about what he brings off the field,” Aldridge said. “People see that he has a .400 average and hits home runs but it’s what he brings off the field. He led us in hit by pitches which is a selfless act. He was accepted to our leadership council. He brings so much off the field from a leadership standpoint.”
Last year, the pitching was an adventure early for Aldridge. Injuries piled up and the coach didn’t have a whole lot of players to throw out on the mound on any given night.
The staff is healthy coming into 2023 and seniors Chris Robinson and Cullen Harrison bring leadership there. Add in others like Jacob Surma, Joseph Rollins, Landry Winter, Jude Hawkins and others and it’s becoming a deep group that gives the coach options.
“We’ve got a chance to compete on the mound,” Aldridge said. “Jude is going to give us a chance every time and Landry Winter has a chance to be really good. Chris Robinson has been good for a few years now and will be important for us. Cullen Harrison had a really good summer and has gotten better in the fall. What we did this summer, I really like where we’re at and what’s coming in.”
It’s a big week for Eupora fans looking to get a glimpse of the 2023 version of the baseball Eagles. The team played the first game of the season at home vs. Bruce on Monday and will host West Point on Friday at 7 p.m. and Water Valley on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Aldridge is excited to get things rolling. A new season brings new optimism and that’s where he and his staff are.
“I like where we’re at. I think we’re going to be able to swing the bat a little, we just have to stay healthy,” Aldridge said. “We’ve got some young guys that are going to get thrown into the fire whether they realize it or not. Everything I’ve thrown at them in practice they’ve met it.”
