Cardinals Look to Build Off Last Season’s Success

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By Mark Requet

  The South Shelby Cardinals are coming off a 20-6 season in which they won the district tournament, only to lose against Elsberry in the Class 3 State Sectionals.

  The Cardinals only return one starter off of last year’s squad, middle infielder Owen Stueve. There are only three seniors on the team. They are outfielder/first basman J Dovin, second baseman/catcher Isaac Wilcox, and outfielder/first baseman Emmett Rubison.

  “Each of these guys have several great qualities that they bring to the team,” said South Shelby Head Coach Jacob Rich. “From being hard and determined workers, and just bringing life to the team both at practice and during games.”

  Some of the newcomers that should see some action this year are catcher/shortstop Tucker Elliott, shortstop/third baseman Chase Mollering, outfielder Hunter Maubach, and middle infielder John Schmidt.

  With the Cardinals graduating most of its starting players last year, this year’s squad will rely on the younger players stepping in and trying to build on the success of last season.

  “I think the success that we had last year has lit a fire in some of the younger players to strive to have that same success,” said Rich. “They understand that we are setting some new standards for South Shelby baseball, and they are setting high expectations for themselves this year.”

  Rich added the guys have been really open about being moved around the field to different positions. They are up for figuring out how they work best as a team and where they fit in that as well.

  “Pitching and defensively we are looking to play smart baseball, understanding what situations we are in and what needs to be done in those situations,” stated Rich. “We are looking to be very solid defensively, and letting the guys field their positions. Offensively, we are looking to simply put the ball in play. Not always looking for the big hit but being able to consistently put pressure on the defense to make a play.”

  Rich thinks this team will be a fun team to watch.

  “This group of guys has already shown a lot of grit. I don’t think there will be a time where you could say our guys gave up,” stated Rich. “It should be a fun and exciting baseball team to watch.”

  Rich’s expectations for this team are high. “We talked at the beginning of the year that we are planning on competing for a district title at the end of the year and making a push in the playoffs,” said Rich.

  “At the same time reiterating to the guys that this means we will need to continually improve throughout the year and setting those smaller goals in order to achieve the big goals at the end.”

  Rich added the guys have all set some personal goals for things that they are working on throughout the year, and as a team, have the same goals they have had in years past of achieving great things.

  “Where we graduated several great players from last year’s team, I truly do believe that these guys are ready to take the reins of South Shelby baseball,” said Rich. “These guys have shown early that they are willing to put in the work to get better, and they want to get better. This should be a fun group to watch this season, and for the years to come.”

  South Shelby is scheduled to open the season at Madison on Tuesday, March 19.  All games begin at 5 p.m.