Sparta, IL - After a successful tryout
and week’s worth of practice, the 2010 Sparta Junior Legion Patriots look to continue their winning ways versus the
Hilgards from Belleville on June 1st. The 2010
Patriots come restocked with talented veterans and fresh new rookies. Second year Coach Tim Baum is back
as manager of the club and thinks this could be one of the best, if not the best, Patriot team in it’s history. Sixth
year Coach Marc Stirnaman and fourth year Coach Tim Thompson are also back on staff looking
to improve an already dangerous team and teach the winning ways from past Patriot ball clubs.
Captain Jordan Thompson
looks to continue his success from his all-conference high school season on the mound and at shortstop. Darrius Jackson
will also look to repeat as batting champion (.352 in ‘09) in 2010. Matt Wasson, will see ample amount
of time on the mound this season with a newly developed delivery. Other key veterans looking to win another 25th
district championship are utility man Dalton Robert, catcher Ian Wolter, and crafty right-hander
Trevor Morgan.
Sophomore year players such as Seth
Shevlin, Elliott French, Lucas Turner, and Landon Durbin look much improved and stronger for the
upcoming season. The 2010 Patriots also look to add four rookies to their already potent line-up. Murphysboro sophomore Nathan
Hinkle will add depth to the pitching staff and batting order as he comes away from a great JV year at MHS. Transfer
players Justin Meyerhoff (Steeleville) and Aaron Rushing (Pinckneyville), are joining the
good guys for their chance at a championship trophy. Both Meyerhoff and Rushing bring experience and strength to the mound
and batting order. Young guns Charles Rogers and Dylan Heuther, will see plenty of innings
as they learn from the veterans and prosper during their career.
Also, new to the 2010 coaching staff,
is current Senior Legion player and former Patriot MVP and Captain, Chris Theobald. Coach Theobald is excited
at the opportunity to work with the young talent on the Patriots roster and give back to what many of his coaches has taught
to him. Chris brings leadership and an extensive resume of pitching experience to the staff. Along with Jordan Thompson,
Chris earned SIRR all-conference honors this year playing for the Sparta Bulldogs Baseball program.
Upcoming
games include the 2010 Steeleville Wooden Bat Tournament. The Patriots look to match up against each team in the 25th
District this week The Patriots will face Chester on Thursday @ 8 pm, Campbell
Hill on Friday at 8 pm, Pinckneyville on Saturday @ 3 pm, and finally Steeleville on Sunday @ 8 pm. This tournament should
show the potential of each team as they look to contend for the 25th District Championship.
