Mariners open season this week in Whitefish
Erick Locke is one of several returning sluggers and team leaders this year, and he’ll play first base and pitch, too. Ethan Smith/Leader file photo
Zach Urness
Leader Staff
The Mission Valley Mariners were a dominant force on the diamond last season, earning a birth to the state tournament while amassing 50-13 overall record for the season, and they’ll look to repeat that success with some good returning pitchers and hitters this year.
And while this year’s team will be a slightly younger version, returning 11 players from last year’s team, the expectations are that they will once again contend for the northern conference title.
"It’s a building year, but we really have some good talent," said Mariners head coach Jami Hanson. "We have some good senior leadership that’ll help out with our young team."
Two of the seniors that Hanson noted will play a large role on this year’s team are Will Gordon and Brandon Thompson.
"Both are tremendous hitters and will provide good leadership," said Hanson, who also said that Eric Locke, a returning first basemen, and Brandon Roy or "Hobbs," as his teammates call him, will be important parts of the team.
The good news for the Mariners is that one of their strengths should be their pitching. "
Right now pitching looks to be a plus for us," noted Hanson. "We have a lot of kids that can throw the ball pretty well."
The Mariners’ hitting should also have a chance to produce some offense, as they hit over .350 last season.
"We always hit the ball pretty well," said Hanson. "And we’ve had hitting practice since January, it’s just a matter of working in more drills and getting plate appearances."
Hanson also said that he is expecting big things from John Rausch and youngster Cubby Pierre. "He’s a young kid but is very talented," said Hanson of Pierre.
Rausch will handle duties behind the plate, while brother Tim should see some action on the mound, after getting some good experience last year.
The Mariners opened their season in Whitefish against Glacier AA and will be on the road for their first part of the season, and results were unavailable by presstime. Hanson said that when the Mariners return home for the opener, May 13 against Glacier, he hopes to see the stands packed with fans.
"We’d like to have some big crowds for home games," he said. "The kids deserve the support and we should have a good team." The Mariners will be hosting the district tournament on July 21-24. "That means a lot to us," said Hanson. "The road to state goes through the district tournament."