The smell of fresh cut grass and the heartwarming sight of red clay welcomes the 2017 version of the Gaffney Indian Baseball team as they look to make a deep run into the South Carolina High School League playoffs. In the spring, the opening day of the high school baseball season in Gaffney is equivalent to the excitement felt over the first day of preseason football practices in August. For nearly a month, our team has been hard at work, taking advantage of the fair weather to practice nearly every day and prepare for the upcoming season. This year, the team is comprised of eleven resilient seniors, along with nine strong juniors and one sophomore.  Coach Jeff Osment is excited for the upcoming season and is expecting his Indians to contend for the Region Championship.

Even though the Indians have four college commits, the team’s emphasis and focus will be on the strength of the team as a whole, rather than individual players. Junior Donte Wade explained, “We’ve learned that every person is important in some way and that the first step to a successful season is making sure that no one is left behind. We all have each other’s backs and good team chemistry is important. We know that we won’t make it far unless we all believe in one another so our bond is very tight.”

Leading the hitting barrage this year will be senior Houston Wright who is a College of Charleston commit. The Indians lineup is far from a one man wrecking crew as seniors Bryson Ward, also a College of Charleston commit, and Damian Eubanks, a Spartanburg Methodist College commit, expect to add power and speed on the bases. On the mound, the Indians are expected to be led by seniors Jack Masters, Chad Williams, and junior Austin Duckett. Duckett said, “My ultimate aspiration for the season is to be able to dog pile at the end of it.”

They look to avenge last year’s 14-10 season record and their first-round playoff exit. Ashby Smith, a junior who has been playing with Gaffney for five years, commented, “My team and I had a great off season where we focused on SAQ (which stands for strength, agility, and quickness) and getting stronger so we can perform at our highest level even when we are tired.”

The Indians are on track to have an outstanding season. Junior Ty Davidson commented, “My team has the mindset this season that we will win the state title and bring the trophy home. Everyone is determined and ready for this season.”

The Indians are set to host Clover this Wednesday in a pre-season scrimmage at 5 o’clock at Jerry “Jug” Wallace Field followed by their annual pre-season tournament at home next week.