It’s a new year for 2017 Huskies

Every team starts each season at the same point. There are no wins to celebrate. There are no losses to fill up the wrong side of the ledger.

Even coming off the first state championship in Hewitt-Trussville High School’s baseball history, the 2017 version of the Huskies has no advantage over any other program.

“It’s a new team. It’s a new year,” said head coach Jeff Mauldin.

The Huskies took home a blue map by sweeping Auburn in the 2016 state championship series with a pair of shutout victories. That series capped off a tremendous playoff run and gave Mauldin his second state title. His first came at Clay-Chalkville in 2003. 

Hewitt-Trussville is moving ahead to spring with high goals once again, but it will not be an easy road. Mauldin said this year’s team has its most difficult schedule since he has been in Trussville. 

Do-everything player Tyler Tolbert has no more high school eligibility and is now at UAB. Center fielder Keegan Morrow, catcher Justin Booker and third baseman Jamison Stennis have also graduated, leaving the Huskies with a few holes to plug.

Caden Kirk is likely to slide into Booker’s spot behind the plate. Kirk earned a spot on the varsity team as a freshman last year and maintained that place the entire season, playing a role as Booker’s backup. 

“The sky is the limit for him,” Mauldin said. “If you’re going to be a sophomore playing (Class) 7A baseball, you’re pretty good.”

Davis Burgin is likely to take over the primary role at third base. Burgin was one of Hewitt’s top bullpen arms last year and should figure into the pitching plans once again when needed. 

Dylan Cook is going to move from right field to center to offset the departure of Morrow. Cook already has signed to play college baseball at Snead State Community College.

Mauldin said there was still an ongoing battle for the second base spot, the “monster to fill,” since Tolbert brought so much to the table for the Huskies. Senior Jordan Long and freshman Tyler Mauldin are set to compete for the job throughout the spring and into the early portions of the season. 

“Both of those guys, we feel OK with either one, but they’re going to battle it out,” Mauldin said.

One place where the Huskies do not have to replace anyone is on the mound, as top starters Carson Skipper and Cameron Furr will assume their roles in the rotation once again. Flame-throwing Cameron Moore will serve as the team’s primary closer but is expected to start a handful of games as well. Bradley Huffstutler, Burgin and Ben Vetters all pitched important innings last spring and are expected to do so again. 

“That’s the positive thing about this team, is we lost no pitching,” Mauldin said.

Around the rest of the diamond, Skipper will assume the first base position when he is not pitching. Auburn commit Ed Johnson is a steadying force at shortstop. UAB football signee Grayson Cash will be a three-year starter in left field. Josh Morgan will see time in right field and at first base. Gavin Garner is also expected to make a case for playing time.