Bernie freshmen off to strong start for No. 9 Mules

BERNIE – There are a multitude of reasons why the young Bernie High School baseball squad has gotten off to an impressive start this spring, one of which is because the Class 2 No. 9-ranked Mules (7-2) have several young players who have played beyond their years.

“They have done a good job,” veteran Bernie coach Marcus Massey said of his young players recently. “They just need more game situations at the varsity level.”

The Mules will get that today at 4:30 p.m., as they visit Bloomfield (3-7).

Massey has utilized freshman Blayne Morgan at second base while he has used freshman Josiah Copeland in the outfield, at second base, as a designated hitter, and as a pinch runner.

“There is so much situational play that takes place,” Massey explained of varsity baseball, “you’ve got to be thinking one or two plays before, and for them, this is the first time they are experiencing this.

“But they are doing a great job of listening and trying to do what they are supposed to do.”

The first-year Mule who has gotten the most experience this spring has been left fielder Cane Hobgood, who has made a seemingly smooth transition to high school baseball both in the field, as well as at the plate.

“Cane is a kid who has played a lot of baseball growing up,” Massey explained. “He just has a clue what is going on, and he is a great athlete.”

Massey has played Hobgood at both center field, but primarily in left field, which is interesting because Hobgood has always been an infielder throughout his young career.

“He’s never played outfield until, really, this spring,” Massey said. “I didn’t even play him there a whole lot in the fall. He’s been an infielder.”

Hobgood has the athletic ability to just play, so Massey has thought about how he can find ways to get Hobgood into the lineup.

“He’s just a really good athlete,” Massey reiterated.

Hibgood wasted no time in adjusting to baseball at this level.

Last fall, in his first varsity start, Hobgood tallied a hit, scored twice, drove in a couple of runs, walked twice, and stole two bases against Holcomb.

“His ability and playing a lot of baseball growing up,” Massey said, “in travel teams against better competition, has given him the ability to have a good approach and good thought while he is up (at bat).”

Hobgood has connected for 11 hits this season, including a pair of doubles and a triple.

He has driven in seven runs, scored five times, drawn a couple of walks, and stolen five bases.

That speed has been helpful defensively for Bernie.

“I went to him,” Massey said, “and told him that I thought he could get out there and chase some balls down for us. He’s going to help us because he has a good arm, too.

“So far, he’s done a great job for us.”