JACKSON BASEBALL IN FULL SWING

Jackson coach Sam Sides goes over the lineup card with the umps in Wedneday's game against Ste. Genevieve.

Shortstop Travis Stevens makes the play.

Chris Leimer pitching against Ste. Genevieve. Leimer was the winning pitcher.

Coach Sam Sides of the Jackson High School baseball team is in his first season as head coach at Jackson, but he brings 19 years of coaching experience to the Jackson dugout, 13 of which he spent as head coach at other schools.

Jackson, which finished 10-9 last season is looking to stay competitive with seven new everyday starters to fill in for losses due to graduation last year.

In Jackson's opening game mistakes cost them the game against Notre Dame. Notre Dame beat Jackson 9-0, but Sides said that only one of those runs was earned.

Jackson came back on Wednesday, though to post an impressive 11-4 victory over Ste. Genevieve to even their record at 1-1.

In the junior varsity nightcap sophomore Andy Callis pitched a no-hitter as Jackson's JV won 8-0.

Sides has one assistant coach Dan Hecht who coaches the JV team and assists with the varsity team.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity," Sides said of his new position as head coach.

"My goal is to win a district championship," he added.

Sides hopes to stay competitive and improve throughout the season so that by tournament time his team is playing at its best, but right now the team is making too many errors.

Sides has a number of inexperienced players that he has to call on to start this year.

Justin Gladish, #6

Is a junior catcher who has hit the ball well so far this season. He leads off for the Indians. Gladish has four hits in two games and has the only Indian home run on the young season. Sides said he is the best base runner on the team.

Justin Keen, #20

Is a junior first baseman that will also pitch for the Indians. "He's a big target, it's good to have him over at first. I'm expecting him to come on for us as the season progresses," Sides said.

Keen will probably be the starting pitcher for Jackson in tomorrow's game against Charleston.

Zane McClard, #16

Is a junior second baseman for the Indians so far he has played errorless ball at second. He's two out five so far at the plate.

McClard will also do some spot pitching for the Indians during weeks where there are a lot of scheduled games.

Jarod Suedekum, #14

Is a junior third baseman and designated hitter. He's two for five with an RBI so far. He turned his ankle against Notre Dame and had to DH against Ste. Genevieve.

"He's a good contact hitter and the best bunter we have."

Suedekum led the junior varsity team in hitting last season.

Josh Adams, #22

One of five seniors that coach Sides will call on for leadership this season. Adams spends time at third base and pitcher.

Adams took the loss against Notre Dame, but only gave up one earned run while striking out six in five innings of work.

Adams is two out of seven with 2 RBI so far.

"I expect him to do a lot of things for us."

Travis Stevens, #10

Is a junior shortstop. He started for the varsity last year and led the team in hitting with a .380 average. So far he is two for six.

"He has good speed and probably has the quickest bat on the team."

"I expect him to get better in the field, which will make us a better team."

Mike Gross, #8

Is a senior who plays outfield and first base. So far he is one out of six at the plate with an RBI.

"He's going to be moved around a lot. He's a good hard worker and good athlete. I expect him to be a leader on the baseball team."

Jason Goben,

Is a junior center fielder. Usually Sides will DH for him, but Goben is the best defensive outfielder the Indians have.

Goben has also been a relief pitcher for the Indians. In three innings of work he hasn't given up any runs, while striking out five and only allowing one hit, one walk and one hit batter.

He'll be a spot starter, but mostly will be a reliever this year.

Todd Wessel,

Is a sophomore outfielder with good bat speed and he will play right and center fields for the Indians this season.

"He has as good a throwing arm as anybody on the team and he's been hitting the ball pretty well."

Wessel is two out of seven so far this season.

Brock Frederick,

Is a senior outfielder and designated hitter. He is one out of six on the season.

"He puts the bat on the ball and he makes the plays. I expect him to contribute."

Frederick is also the backup catcher.

Chris Leimer, #33

Is a senior starting pitcher. Leimer is 1-0 on the season. He pitched five innings in Wednesday's win over Ste. Genevieve. He struck out five while walking six and hitting one. Leimer gave up four runs, three of them earned, on one hit.

He also pitched in relief of Adams against Notre Dame giving up three unearned runs in one inning of work.

"He's got a good arm, but he needs to be focused more to reduce his mental mistakes. He needs to learn control of his pitches."

Paul Leoni,

Is a junior outfielder. In his first year as a player Leoni will pinch hit and backup in the outfield. He could be a possible pitcher for next year's team.

Bert Hahs,

Is a junior outfielder. "I expect he will get some quality playing time as an outfielder and pinch hitter."

Avery Kohm,

Is a senior who can play anywhere. "He will help us wherever he can. He's the type of kid you want on the team. I expect he will back up several positions."

Derrick Johnson,

Is a senior for the Indians. It is doubtful he will play this season due to an injury.

Jackson looks to be competitive this year and will gain valuable experience for next season with eight juniors and one sophomore getting plenty of playing time this season.

Sides also expects to call on Andy Callis to pitch from time to time on the varsity squad, if he is needed.

Varsity Baseball Schedule

March 24 9 Notre Dame at Jackson 0

March 26 4 Ste. Genevieve at Jackson 11

March 31 Charleston at Jackson 4:15 p.m.

April 1 Jackson at Cape Central 4 p.m.

April 5 Farmington at Jackson 10 a.m.

April 8 Jackson at Chaffee 4 p.m.

April 9 Jackson at Fredericktown 4:30 p.m.

April 11 New Madrid at Jackson 4:15 p.m.

April 15 Jackson at Notre Dame 4 p.m.

April 17 Jackson at Sikeston 4:15 p.m.

April 18 Jackson at Poplar Bluff 4 p.m.

April 25 Jackson at Potosi Tournament TBA

April 26 Jackson at Potosi Tournament TBA

April 28 Jackson at Kelly 4 p.m.

April 29 Poplar Bluff at Jackson 4:15 p.m.

May 3 Jackson at Kelly Tournament TBA

May 5 Dexter at Jackson 4:15 p.m.

May 7 Cape Central at Jackson 4:15 p.m.

May 9 Jackson at Perryville 4 p.m.

May 14 Jackson at Scott City 4 p.m.

May 15 Sikeston at Jackson 4:15 p.m.