Clarkdale set for diamond play

By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Feb. 25, 2003
The Bulldogs of Clarkdale will depend on youth to lead them this baseball season.
Clarkdale has 21 players out ready to play this season and 14 of those players are underclassmen.
The Bulldogs should be solid on the mound this year with Brandon Mabry leading the staff. Mabry is still getting into baseball shape after playing basketball, but will be used as a closer and will see some starts.
Eric Seale is a converted fielder that will drop down and throw underneath to throw off batters. Justin Hinson will also see some innings.
Two sophomores, Kurt Singley and Justin Mosley will also pitch for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will be very young up the middle, but will at the same time have some experience.
Freshman Blake Johnson will play shortstop again for Clarkdale and freshman Jack Norton and sophomores Brandon Blackledge and Andrew Riley will join Johnson in the middle infield.
Brent Mabry and Michael Davis will be at third base while Brent Mabry, Seale and senior Alex Taylor will see time across the diamond at first base.
Clifton James will play in left field and Hinson will be in right. Mabry will be the leader in center.
Dusty Webb will be handling the catching duties for the Bulldogs this season.
Mosley, Kevin McKissick and Singley will also see action for Clarkdale in the field this year and may contribute.
The Bulldogs will mix power with some small ball at bat this season. Mabry and a couple of other players can hit from power, but the team will also hit-and-run as well as steal and bunt to get runners into scoring position.
It will be Marlow's first season for the Bulldogs as head coach, but he feels they are on the same page.
Clarkdale will compete in district with Newton, South Leake, Scott Central and Kemper County. The Bulldogs were able to go to the playoffs as the second team out of the district last season.
Newton is usually the team to beat in district play, but Clarkdale will try to overcome the Tigers this season.