Sports Columnist

Steve Garrett’s baseball team at Charles Henderson High School is playing outstanding ball as they enter into area play.

The Trojans have already defeated Carroll of Ozark and Eufaula on the road to run their record to 15-7 overall and 2-0 in Class 5A Area 4.

With just two area games left to play against both Carroll and Eufaula at home the Trojans could be set for a strong run in the state 5A playoffs.

The Trojans have been almost unbeatable at Hogan’s Hole (Frazier Field) this year, so fans could get a good look at what may be the best team CHHS has put on the field in a few years.

I think Garrett’s approach to the game has had a lot to do with the Trojans’ success this year. As always, he started them early with a heavy schedule of mostly Class 6A schools in February. The Trojans have played 14 of 22 games against Class 6A opponents. This has had to make them a better team. Garrett puts a lot of emphasis on schedule; the tougher the opponent the better he likes it. Garrett also expects a hard work ethic from his players.

Conditioning starts in October and by practice time in January, he’s not worried about his players being in good shape physically. Garrett works hard on his team learning the fundamentals of the game and so far this season the Trojans have been a good defensive team and run the bases well.

The Trojans’ pitching has been outstanding. Seniors Kevin Stephens and David Taylor have led the staff, which includes some great underclassmen in sophomores Justin Sims, David Doty and freshman Pete Van Horn. If needed, Garrett can bring in a crafty left hander in senior outfielder Scott Stetson. Stetson, seniors Will Jones, Stephens, Jason "Red" Barron, and Taylor lead the team offensively. Van Horn, Sims, Clint Pugh and Jarvis Woods are some of the young players that have been productive, also, at the bat.

To have been so successful this year with only five seniors on the team, Garrett’s squads of the future should be good ones.

I drove down to the ballpark the other afternoon and walked around the field.

It’s amazing how far CHHS baseball has come since I played from 1963-1965. We didn’t even have a fence. Now the field and playing conditions are some of the best in Alabama. The giant blue wall in the leftfield gives Hogan’s Hole an appeal that very few high school fields have.

As always, before my stroll around the park was concluded, here comes old reliable himself, Robert Lewis driving the big grass cutter.

What would CHHS do without Robert Lewis? He keeps everything looking so good. I’m sure Coach Garrett and Athletic Director-Head Football Coach Hugh Fountain are glad he works for them.

Don’t miss the Trojans’ big games on Tuesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. against Carroll and Friday, April 20 at 5 p.m. against Eufaula. Both are big area games!

See you at the old ballpark.