To say the Bridge City Cardinals were young last year would be an understatement. They played five to six freshmen throughout the season. When the season finally came to end in the fourth round of the playoffs the Cardinals were a seasoned and tough group of players.
Coach Chad Landry will guide Bridge City again this year with a solid group of returning lettermen. It starts with Schuyler Thibodaux behind the plate who is a four-year starter for the Cardinals. Caleb DuBois and Justyn Romero are both three-starters.
There are still a couple holes to fill, but the experience gained by playing ten to twelve in the playoffs helped the Cardinals a lot according to Landry. The momentum carried over into the off season during which the players really worked hard. Landry exclaimed, “I’m pretty proud of the way they got after it this off season, and we’re excited to get ready to go.”
Some new players who got looks during the playoffs running bases have waited their turns to be brought up to the varsity this season. Cameron Yadon will see playing time based on his performance in the scrimmages. Ryan Ellis has been doing a good job in the outfield. Jaxon Benard is a sophomore who has progressed very well. “I think we’re going to be able to do a pretty good job throwing the baseball, if we can just scratch out a few runs we should be okay,” Landry analyzed.
The Cardinals’ bats heated up in the playoffs last year, and Coach Landry believes that will carry over this season. The top five guys in the lineup are back for Bridge City. Leading off will be Thibodaux followed by Romero, DuBois, Logan Hamm and Jackson Tims. The coach points out that is a solid group. Landry stated, “When those guys go, we go.”
Landry returns several possible aces from last year’s Cards. A pitcher who really progressed in last season’s playoffs is Peyton Havard. He has earned some time on the mound and should be a good one. Logan Hamm is another sophomore from whom good things are expected again.
Back on the mound will be Caleb DuBois following Tommy John surgery. He has not pitched since his freshman year. Landry said DuBois has worked very hard to get his arm ready for it to be where it needs to be. “We like what he gives us, you know 6-2 lefty, he’s going to be special for us, and we’re looking forward to it,” Coach Landry beamed.
In scrimmages Bridge City has thrown 13 different guys on the mound. There are a lot of arms for Coach Landry to choose from. Landry likes his pitchers’ ability to throw strikes and wants his pitchers to be fresh to keep them sharp.
Repeating last year’s run in the playoffs by Bridge City will not be easy, but Landry is looking forward to the challenge. He wants the Cardinals to compete and put their best foot forward. Landry is excited to see who will step up to be the guy, whether it be some new face that will be great or a player that was relied on last season would be even better.
The coach emphasizes the players like to get after it, are tired of practice, and ready to play somebody in a different colored jersey. “I just like to see those guys take the step where they want to compete against whoever we’re playing every day, and it’s just a lot of fun,” Landry concluded.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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