Upcoming Season Preview

Entering the tenth year under Coach Adam Thomas’ leadership, there is no question that the Chattahoochee Valley Pirate baseball team has established itself as one of the ACCC’s elite programs. During the initial three years under Thomas’ guidance, the Pirates underwent a major reconstruction, beginning with the foundation of Character, Pride, Discipline, and Class installed in the fall of 1999. The Pirates displayed significant and steady improvement each of those first two years, in terms of wins, academic success, and sophomore advancement. However, the Pirates have enjoyed the fruits of their labor from the onset of the 2002 season and that success has continued through the conclusion of the 2008 season. During this seven year stretch, Thomas’s teams have been perennial playoff participants and have been a championship contender year in and year out.

At the completion of Thomas’s third season at the helm in 2002, he gave CVCC its first winning record since 1996 and the table has since been set each year for reverberating success. The Pirates went on to set the school records for wins (41) and finished as the runners-up in the AJCCC in 2003, continued by a 35 win season and another playoff appearance in 2004, followed by a 39 win season and an appearance in the semi-finals of the ACCC Tournament and fourth place finish in 2005. The Pirates continued their winning and post-season success in 2006 with a 32 win season and another post-season berth, and with a 90% freshman 2007 squad they, once again, tied the school record for wins (41) culminating with a third place ACCC finish. With those baby Pirates turned seasoned veterans, they had a repeat performance and won 41 more games to complete another third place finish in 2008. Additionally, the 2008 sophomore class finished as the winningest class in CVCC history, finishing with an astonishing 82 wins to their credit.

For ten years, CVCC has built on the foundation of Character, Pride, Discipline, and Class, and has developed Tenacity, Toughness, Focus, and Confidence. The Pirates play the game the way it is supposed to be played – HARD! Thomas’s players have earned the reputation as hard-nosed players who never quit and have been branded as one of the hardest teams to beat in the ACCC. This has been evident since the breakout season of 2003, as the Pirates have been one of the most successful teams in the ACCC and have matched school records for wins in three of the past six seasons, with the 2007 and 2008 clubs posting back to back 41 win seasons. A continued sense of excitement is in the air at Howard Lake Field, as the 2009 Pirates look to be extremely talented, and once again, will be one of the teams to beat for the ACCC crown.

PITCHING

There has always been one constant on an Adam Thomas coached baseball team – STRONG PITCHING. Although only four sophomore pitchers return for the 2009 season, on paper the pitching staff looks to be the deepest and most talented in the Thomas era. Thomas will rely on returning sophomore starters Bo Foster (4-3, 2 saves, 3.68 ERA), Johnny Gunter (4-1, 3.68 ERA, 44 K’s, 36.2 IP), and Drew Freeman (3.18 ERA) to anchor the starting rotation. On the freshman end, the Pirates have added the diaper dandy trio of Derek Varnadore, Nick Sarianides and Bronson Gagner to solidify the starting rotation.

The pitching talent does not end with the starters, as the stable is full of young freshmen colts and grizzled sophomore thoroughbreds. Along with the starters, the bullpen looks to be just as strong, anchored by the hard throwing freshmen pair of Jeff Shields and Donte Williams, both of whom will see action in every possible relief role, however will looked to primarily fill the role of late reliever/closer. The remaining relief work will be placed into the hands of sophomore Mark Nellist (3-1, 5.34 ERA, 32 IP), transfer sophomores, righty Jacob Fox and lefty Josh Smith, as well as redshirt freshmen, Brannon Humphries and Ray Harralson, both eager to make their college pitching debuts.

DEFENSE

The backbone of the 2009 Pirate defense begins behind the plate for the Pirates, as they are once again solid as a rock at the catching position, with third year sophomore, David Buchanan running the show for the Pirates. An absolute stalwart behind the plate, Buck should be an all-star candidate in the ACCC this season. Joining Buchanan behind the dish will be freshman, Tom Richardson, who will share the catching duties in 2009. Richardson looks to be the real deal and may end up as one of the best to ever suit up for the Pirates.

The 2009 season brings virtually an entire new infield to Howard Lake Field. The leading candidate to fill the all important shortstop position will be red shirt freshman, Chris Duncan, who brings the ability to cover half the infield with his speed and range to complement a strong throwing arm. Joining Duncan in the double play combination will be a tandem of freshmen, in Jeff Shields and Nick Stephens at second base. Holding down the fort at third base will be an outstanding defensive tandem of red shirt sophomore, Josh Whitehead and freshman, Matt Black. Anchoring the other corner at first base will be big Heath Peterson. Because of the heavy amount of pitching expected out of Bo Foster and Drew Freeman, expect these two sophomore infielders to be every day position players at virtually every infield position.

The 2009 Pirate outfield will certainly have a new look to it this season. However, the Pirates are not short on talent in the outfield grass of Howard Lake Field. Anchoring the Pirate outfield this year will be speedy centerfielder, Donte Williams. Flanking Williams in left field will be the Mr. Fundamental, third year sophomore, Stephen Bishop. Roaming right field will be the versatile and talented lefty, Kevin Putkonen. Freshman Ryan Noelte will see significant action at all three outfield positions, as well. Also, look for redshirt freshmen, Derek Branch and Zach Bush to be in the outfield mix this season.

OFFENSE

For the past nine seasons, the Pirate offense has resembled that of the mid-80’s St. Louis Cardinals, as CVCC has lead the league in numerous offensive categories under the offensive leadership of Coach Thomas and five year veteran hitting coach, Dash O’Neill. With an entire new offense full of new faces, the Pirate offensive attach looks to be as potent as ever in 2009. The Pirates return only three players that saw significant playing time in 2008 and an impressive group of freshmen will be asked to carry the load in 2009. Speed has always been the name of the game at CVCC, and the Pirates have plenty of that with sophomore Bo Foster, and freshmen Chris Duncan, Ryan Noelte, Derek Branch, Nick Stephens, and Jeff Shields. Look for the power numbers to come from freshmen Heath Peterson, Matt Black, Zach Bush and Tom Richardson, as well as from Bo Foster, Kevin Putkonen, and red shirt sophomore Josh Whitehead. Also, look for the continued offensive consistency of David Buchanan, Stephen Bishop, and Drew Freeman.

OVERALL

Chattahoochee Valley looks to continue their successful run that they began in 2002. The key for CVCC this year is focused and consistent effort towards practice. The ability to execute routinely could be the difference in a championship caliber club and an also-ran club. The team looks to be poised and working with a sense of purpose as they build on the foundation that coach Adam Thomas has lain. With continued hard work, dedication, and the “Dirty Pirate” mentality, the 2009 season could, once again, be something special for the Chattahoochee Valley Pirates.