Franklin Furnace – If you’re wondering who those players are on the field for the Green Bobcats, you’re not alone.

Monday, April 03, 2000

Franklin Furnace – If you’re wondering who those players are on the field for the Green Bobcats, you’re not alone. Coach Dave Shoupe might be thinking the same thing. Green has only three starters returning from last year’s 19-3 team that won a share of the Southern Ohio Conference title and finished as district runners-up.

Gone from that team are Southern Ohio Conference Player of the Year Tim Brumfield, first team All-SOC picks Pat McDavid, Jarrod Harmon, and Jared Hineman, and second team selections Eric and Jason Bennett.

That leaves only seniors Chris Williams and Rick Perkins and junior Kyle Dyer as the lone returning starters.

But Shoupe said the trio make for a good starting point.

"Rick is the leader. He really takes charge and makes my job easier. He tries to keep the guys focused," said Shoupe.

"Chris has had to take on pitching responsibilities and he’s handled that well. He has a very accurate arm and a good curveball. Dyer has moved to first base and he’s taken to it like a duck to water. By moving to first, it’s opened up an outfield spot for Bainer."

Bainer is sophomore Brad Bainer who will play left field.

"Defensively he’s solid and he swings the bat all right, and he has a lot of power, he just doesn’t have a lot of experience. It’s just a matter of seeing more pitches for him," said Shoupe.

Williams and Perkins will platoon in center depending on who is pitching, but Williams can also play other positions including catcher.

"And he’s very happy to play somewhere else," Shoupe said of Williams.

Senior Tim Willis will take over the right field job and Shoupe said "he hits the ball and he has a decent arm. He’s impressed me with his arm, and we need him. We’re looking for big things from him."

Junior Justin Voiers is the new catcher as he takes over for Harmon, a three-year starter.

"We’re very fortunate to have Josh McMacken as an assistant coach. He was a catcher and he has Justin ahead of schedule with all the attention he’s been able to give him. Justin is going to be just fine," said Shoupe.

Dusty Adkins and Joe Salyers, a couple of sophomores, have been battling for the second base job.

"Dustin has good hands, and Joe swings the stick a little better. And Joe is going to pitch some, too," said Shoupe.

Junior Jeff Dixon is taking over the important shortstop spot and he will pitch as well.

"He has really nice hands and he’s one of our top two or three pitchers. He’s a real competitor," said Shoupe.

Freshman Jimmy Moore and senior Tate Bockway are vying for the third base job.

"Moore is going to make freshmen mistakes, but as long as they’re aggressive mistakes we can live with that, and Jimmy is an aggressive player," said Shoupe.

"Bockway is going to pitch some and have some designated hitter responsibilities."

Perkins, Dixon, Williams, Bockway, Salyers, and possibly Moore and Adkins will comprise the young pitching staff.

Senior Brian Dixon figured in the team’s plans, but he suffered a broken foot and will probably miss most of the season.

"We’re going to miss his offensive production. He had about nine pinch-hits last year. It’s a tough loss," said Shoupe.

Junior Jesse Ferrell will be called upon to backup in the outfield and pinch-run.