2023 Baseball Season Preview

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Conway, Ark. – Coming off a tough 2022 season, Central Baptist College baseball opens the 2023 campaign tomorrow with a trip to Little Rock to take on Arkansas Baptist in the first game of a three-game series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m.

            The Mustangs and Buffaloes met once last season when CBC won 17-1 on March 16. Head coach Dr. Aaron Brister said that the team has looked good in their preseason so far: "The guys are working really well. This past weekend we got a little preview with a scrimmage at Harding and the guys played really well. I like the lineup, we've really bulked up our pitching staff and I think the defense is going to be the top defense in the AMC."

            The Mustangs return 16 players from last season's 27-28 squad that advanced to the AMC semifinals. Leading the returners will be first team selection third baseman Austin Teal and first team selection designated hitter Ruben Hernandez. Joining them will be position players Benito Martinez, Steven Stewart, Luke McBride, Gabe Walker, Gage Harris,  Danilo Taborda, and Kyle Bass, along with ptichers Jackson Lindsey, Ben Slate, Justin Raines, Caleb Sollars, Gram Middleton, Austin LeJeune, Heath Truett and Julio Escobar. "On the infield, everyone returns," added Brister. "The returners and the newcomers are competing for spots at every position. They are swinging the stick well and that's good to see. I'm also very excited about our pitching staff because they can lead us to a championship."

            A group of 13 newcomers are on the roster this year: Josh Albat, Jacori Hicks, Jalen Hicks, Cameron Harden, Christian Zincke, Jaxon Kirkhuff, Jackson Pope, Cey Barkume, Nick Aide, Angel Maldonado, Rhett James (who was on the varsity squad two seasons ago), A.J. Serrano, Cole Garcia and Fredrick Marsh. "Cey swings a heavy stick," added Brister. "Jalen and Jacori are big swingers, big lefty sticks for us. Both are also good defenders. Jaxon Kirkhuff is pushing for a spot in the outfield and is a two-way player for us. We are really excited about him as he brings really good poise for a freshman. We've got other guys that we've moved up from our developmental squad that are really good as well. We are really excited about what we are bringing to the table this year."

            The 50-game schedule includes an even split of home and road games this season. Coach Brister said "I plan on playing at least 60 games this year. We have good newcomers on our schedule this season, including Kansas Christian and Southwestern Assemblies of God. Excited about playing good teams this season!"

            "We will bring excitement to the field," added Brister. CBC was slated to finish fourth by the AMC coaches and Brister said this about expectations: "I ranked the top four exactly how it lined up. I think we have to earn a higher spot, so I agree with the ranking. In order to climb the ladder, we have to dominate the three teams in front of us and take care of business against everyone else. Go Mustangs!"

            Come out and support CBC in the 25 games they play at Burns Park in North Little Rock this season!