Jody Graves brings leadership and production to the Indians’ lineup.
There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
Pinson Valley baseball advanced to the Class 6A semifinals last season, the second time Shane Chappell has led the Indians to the Final Four in the past three seasons.
The confidence that results from a deep postseason run can be twofold. If handled correctly, the results are positive.
“If it’s channeled in the right way, it could be a huge asset. You’re not going to get overwhelmed with the situation. It’s ‘been here, done that,’” Chappell said.
If that confidence is taken a step too far, however, it becomes arrogance, and can be a severe hindrance on the growth of a team.
“On the flip side, you also can go in with the mentality we’ve done this and we’re going to do it again and not really prepare,” he said. “We’ve got to do the same things to get back there. People around here have a lot of expectations for us.”
The Indians’ recent run of success has proven the strength of the program, and with just three seniors, they are set up to continue building.
First baseman Jody Graves and second baseman Jacob Ingram are two of those seniors who take it upon themselves to lead the team. Graves led the team in runs batted in last season, and Ingram draws rave reviews from his coaches.
“He’s a great team guy, accepts his role, and doesn’t worry about if he’s getting hits,” Chappell said. “He just wants to do his job to make us better and what it takes to win. Those guys are a very rare breed.”
The pitching rotation is up in the air following the likely top two starters, Shelton Clevenger and Ben Miller, as the Indians look to replace Brett Jordan and Hunter Davidson at the top end. Clevenger got a number of starts on last season’s team, but Miller will get his first extended action on the varsity level this year.
“If you can’t pitch, you’re going to struggle,” Chappell said. “That’s my number one priority. You’ve got to develop your pitching staff and be able to be on the mound and give yourself a chance.”
Chappell does not believe in letting his team ease into the season. A tough schedule early means a team is prepared late in the season for a potential postseason run. The road ahead makes preseason preparations crucial to the direction the team will take once the season begins.
“The majority of your games in the regular season you win or lose before the season even begins. Today, you’re going to win or lose games based on how you work, because someone else is always working,” Chappell said.
The Indians now are looking for a way to advance past the semifinal round and move into the championship round.
“We’ll probably get people’s best now. People know Pinson Valley has a competitive baseball program. We’re not a fluke. That’s good for us, but we’ve got to step up to the challenge,” Chappell said.
