Do not disturb: Being too close to the Hive is a detriment as a swarm of ten talented freshmen are coming up through the ranks for the Yellow Jackets flying into the baseball season with unwavering focus and determination which complements the skilled upperclassmen.
Looking at the opening day roster, five starters were freshman including leadoff batter /left fielder Thomas Simmons.
Moorefield Baseball veteran skipper Wade Armentrout has been at the helm for a quarter century with five state titles during his tenure, so he knows how to spot and mold young players.
“[Goals] Give 100 percent effort every inning of every game, regardless of the score. Be a great fundamental team (limit errors, make routine plays). Have quality at-bats every inning (work counts, move runners, avoid easy outs). Be better in May than we are in March. Practice with game like focus and intensity,” Moorefield Baseball coach Wade Armentrout commented.
Coach Armentrout picked Thomas Simmons after seeing the dedication in practice.
Simmons and fellow freshman Edison Metheny (SS) combined for 3 of the team’s 7 hits in the opener.
Both were given walks along with senior Trevor Baldwin loading the bases in the first inning against Berkeley Springs.
Yellow Jackets senior Oliver Crites hammered a bases clearing double for the initial 3-nil lead as the freshmen and seniors celebrated with their teammates with Crites dashing to third base on the same sequence.
Crites would add another RBI double in the win over Berkeley Springs, while Methney notched two hits and scored thrice and Simmons came home twice along with one hit on the day and one walk apiece.
Baldwin reached base three times with a hit and two walks, but took command on the mound as the starting pitcher for the Yellow Jackets.
Baldwin recorded three strikeouts and allowed just one hit in the first frame, then jammed the next trhee batters with catches by a trio of freshmen: Thomas Simmons, Matthew Iman and Edison Metheny.
Baldwin put Berkeley Springs down in order during the third inning with a pop-up and two more strikeouts.
The Indians would score three runs in the fourth inning with the help of two doubles and a groundout, then Coach Armentrout brought in sophomore Blake Snyder to finish the game, tossing four strikeouts and allowing two hits.
Metheny scored twice more in the game on a wild pitch and Crites RBI double to usher in the first win of the season.
There is something special buzzing with the young drones ready to take charge.
A slew of ten freshman are taking George Hott Field and have tremendous leadership in seniors Trevor Baldwin (P/IF) and Oliver Crites (C) detailing the honeycomb diamond blueprint for success.
The freshmen diamond bees are: Thomas, Simmons, (LF/P) Edison Metheny (SS/P), Matthew Iman (1B/P), Brody Simmons (3B), Vance Simmons (OF/IF/P), Lemuel Beahm (IF), Lucas Stutler (IF/OF), William “Reid” Kump (IF/OF), Eastyn Haines (IF/P/C) and Zakk Keplinger (OF/P).
This is one of the fastest swarms to buzz around the Hive.
Moorefield sophomore trio is comprised of: Davin Abreu (IF/OF/P), Kody Biser (OF/IF/P) and Blake Snyder (IF/OF).
These sophomores have shown sensational effort in off-season travel ball and Little League over the years, just like the rest of the honeycomb.
The Yellow Jackets junior trio includes: Cyrus Kump (OF//IF/P), Kail Greenwalt (IF/OF/P) and Caleb Flinn (IF/OF/P).
Greenwalt accounted for one of the hits in the opener and this junior class has been consistent at the plate and have quick feet and precision throwing on the mound.
Having family connections on the team will help team chemistry.
Brody and Vance Simmons are brothers joining cousin Thomas Simmons.
Yellow Jackets assistant coaches Scott Stutler and Tyrone Haines both have freshmen sons on the squad: Lucas Stutler and Eastyn Haines.
The Yellow Jackets are now competing in the Class AA level and have the quite the schedule to be battle tested for the playoffs.
Moorefield has added a new opponent from PA with a trip to Lancaster at the end of the month.
The Yellow Jackets have one more out of state competitor with a familiar foe in Strasburg, VA with home and away tilts.
Moorefield will host cross county rival East Hardy on April 10 and visit Baker on April 21.
The Yellow Jackets field of competition this year also includes: Hampshire, Musselman, Tucker County, Elkins, Petersburg, Lincoln, Frankfort, Pendleton County, Notre Dame, Doddridge County, South Harrison, Tygarts Valley and Jefferson.
After home games, the Yellow Jackets learn discipline with team meeting and field cleanliness.
Coach Armentrout knows the importance of integrity and character and has developed opportunities for caring outreach in the community through his connections as a pastor and principal to guide and mold the team.
In years past, the baseball team members have visited a local nursing home with flowers and participated in beautification projects in area parks.
One tradition at George Hott Field is team prayer before every single game.
“Represent the school, families, and community with class and integrity. These players celebrate each other’s success. Everyone understands their role on the team. This team is willing to do the little things right,” Coach Armentrout remarked.
The Yellow Jackets are, young and learning to become wiser beyond their years on the field with positive production and through caring attitudes within the community.
