MADISON- Bob Jones appeared a lock for the playoffs last year. They had series wins over Hazel Green and Buckhorn and were within one victory of clinching. But that win never came. Sparkman rallied and an unlikely series of events meant no postseason for a veteran Bob Jones baseball team.

Now, second year coach David Langston must call up reserves to replace departed seniors like Matt Sanders, Collin Dupree, Grant Chandler, and Trey Ward.

Langston was dealt another blow when a key underclassman, pitcher Joe Trussell left the program.

Bob Jones will rely on four seniors and twelve juniors.

“I want to coach guys who are passionate about baseball,” Langston said at FCA Media Days last week. “You are making a commitment to the guys you play with. I love the game but I see a culture change. Our guys understand what the expectation is going in and the commitment they must make to be successful to win at the level we want to win at.”

Young players with little varsity experience like Collin Throneberry, Ford Luttrell, Pierre Bruton, and Justin Edgar must step up if Bob Jones is to compete.

Edgar is getting his first chance to play since knee surgery.

They will face a revamped area with three teams loaded with veterans.

“Hazel Green has a big time lefty (Will Stewart), Sparkman returns everybody from a team that went to the state championship series, and James Clemens will have their best team ever,” Langston said.

“We could have a great year and not make the playoffs. As a coach that is why I came here, to play against that level of competition.”

Langston said that positions and the opportunity to play is wide open.

“For players that should be exciting. They have a chance to play. Sometimes when everything is wide open it may be an indication you are not very good but that is not the way we feel. The depth and competition is great for our guys.”

Bob Jones players are undaunted and ready for the challenge.

Luke Whaley returns as the team’s top pitcher going into practice which started January 26. Whaley has experience. He pitched in critical area games last year as a sophomore.

Trammell Shepherd returns, he started at third base last year. Zac Duvall also returns.

Chance Lowery, a senior, steps in at first base.

“The goal for the seniors is to take this team as far as possible,” Lowery said. “We’re a close knit group of guys who are fired up about getting started and passionate about baseball. We know the tradition at Bob Jones and we want to get back to that level.”

Langston has brought in a new pitching coach, Kevin Elwell.