Mansfield looks to surprise teams this fall

Though several key seniors graduated from the Mansfield Lions’ baseball team that went 22-4 in the spring, the returners have their focus on starting a new year out with a strong fall season.
The Lions, who also went 12-6 in the fall of 2023, are led this fall by seniors Charlie Grubbs (LHP/OF/1B), Blake Henry (CF), Braden Tate (catcher) and Riley Pierson (3B).
Grubbs is Mansfield’s ace pitcher and will be joined by potential pitchers and position players that include juniors Bryston Kingery and Kadyn Ivy along with sophomores Brayden Stuart, Fisher Croney, Aiden Garrison and Cole Whorton.
“The pitching rotation is very interesting in that each pitcher has his own qualities that makes them effective,” said Mansfield head coach Joe Garrison. “Grubbs is our ace with a strong, overpowering, left handed approach. Where the rest of the staff uses location, movement, and changing speeds to keep hitters off balance…We have several new players at different positions this year. I will be moving several around as we go in order to see what works best for us to win…I expect our defense to get better as the year goes.”
Coach Garrison said he expects his team to surprise some opponents this fall as his team will be focused on scoring as many runs as they can every inning.
The Lions did gain some valuable experience on the diamond over the summer, which gave Coach Garrison a glimpse of how the new mix of players will look.
The Lions opened their season at home after press time on Friday, Aug. 30 against Fordland.
They travel to Conway on Sep. 3 and host Gainesville on Sep. 6. Both games will be played at 4:30 p.m.