Mean Sting takes 'field of dreams'
Big wins, returning cast fuels optimism over Alto baseball
BY DOUGLAS JONES

The Alto Yellowjackets baseball team is off to a great start this season, as they enjoyed an 18-1 victory against the Latexo Tigers Thursday, advancing the team's record to 6-1.

Head Coach John Paul Dixon said the team is doing well, adding the only area that he feels the team needs to work on is hitting.

"We won our tournament last week against the Center Roughriders and have a good group of players this year," he said.

Coach Dixon said sophomore pitcher Colton Crisp is doing well.

"His best pitch is his fastball and he helped us win in the bi-district playoffs last season," he said.

Crisp also bats second in the lineup.

Senior Tarlandus Mitchell contributes to the Mean Sting as a catcher and pitcher.

He is well known as a slugger at the plate and has proved to be so over the last couple of years.

Batting clean up is Clint Dover, who plays several roles on the team.

It is not uncommon to see a pitcher swap roles as a first baseman or be at least a decent hitter, but to hurl strikes when needed as well as step up to the plate in the most coveted batting slot is remarkable, Coach Dixon said.

He added the team has depth and bright prospects for the future.

Up and coming freshman catcher Rhett Gresham

has an accurate arm

and is playing a secondary role as pitcher for the team, coach Dixon said.

After wrapping up this tournament against Latexo, the Alto Yellowjackets will be going into mid season with their next home game on March 11 against the Martinsville Pirates before going on the road March 14 against the Douglass Fighting Indians.