The Hackett Hornets baseball season was barely underway when news broke a month ago that games were being suspended for the time being in light of COVID-19. While disappointed, the players still held a glimmer of hope that after a few weeks they would be back on the field clearing bases. But a few weeks passed and then a few more weeks passed and then the inevitable happened. The very news that coaches, players, and fans had been tucking away in the back of their minds for fear of it actually coming true. The AAA had decided it was best for everyone’s safety to move forward with the canceling of spring sports.
For the Hackett Hornets, there was a wide range of mixed emotions felt by each of the players. This was going to be THE season. They just knew it. First year coaches, Jordan Shelby and Ryan Pointer, were excited to unleash on the 2A-4 division the finely polished creation they had been building up for months. Also known as the Diamond Hornets. With a roster of 21 players who each held their own unique talents, the Hornets were eager to get it done. Before the season got pulled, Hackett was able to get one conference win on the board against the Lavaca Arrows. Before that, they had taken a non-conference 8-3 loss against the Waldron Bulldogs placing the Hornets with an overall season record of 1-1.
The Hornets will be losing seven seniors this year. Tyler Satterfield and Dylan Kats who were both starting in the field and going to help out pitching and Hunter Christenberry, Laine Harper, Hank Moses, Tyler Sutliff, and Zach Gragg. “COVID-19 really put a downer on what I thought was going to be a good season,” expressed Coach Shelby. “The seniors don’t get their last year to play and all the other players lose out on the chance to play and get better.”
Returning next year to seek their revenge on the season that never was, will be Camron Rundel, Ayden Nichols, Kade Banning, Isaiah Carter, Jesse Esparza, Ethan Slavens, Mason Oelke, Jake Fisher, Cash Oliver, Ty Smith, Mikey Straub, Luke Gann, and John Ruben. “We have several underclassmen ready and willing to step up and help us next season. We will have most of our guys returning for next year and I expect them to step up and fill the holes. I’m planning to have a good season next year with all the kids coming back.” Coach Shelby’s departing words for his players, “Keep working hard so that we can come back stronger for next year.”
Photos contributed by Desiree Slavens
