Bratcher ready for senior season with Mules

The spring baseball season is underway, and senior Poplar Bluff High School baseball player Dylan Bratcher hopes to make a deep run into the postseason for his final dance with the Mules.

Bratcher has spent many years with the Mules baseball team, and he’s looking to go all out for his final season at Strenfel Field. Weeks before the baseball season got started, Bratcher found his new home after the Mules. He signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the Fontbonne University Griffins baseball team.

“I can’t believe this is my last year with this team,” Bratcher said. “It’s crazy to think that I will be playing somewhere else next year, so I’m going to enjoy every moment of being around these guys. I like the talent that we have this year, and I think this year is going to be better than last year. Everybody has that positive attitude and spirit for the season, and I think it will be fun.”

Bratcher had a solid junior season for the Mules and left his footprint within the Poplar Bluff baseball history books. For his junior season, Bratcher faced off against 304 batters while taking a 6-4 record on the mound and landed with 56 strikeouts. Behind the plate, he connected with 15 singles and recorded 17 RBIs.

Bratcher also broke the record for the most innings pitched in a season with 61, the most games started as a pitcher with 14 and the most games pitched in a season with 16, which Tanner Tibbs held with 12 in 2017.

Though his accomplishments will only have his name listed, Bratcher gives a lot of credit to the Mules.

“Setting a record had me feeling really good and increased my confidence,” Bratcher said. “I did break the record last year, but I definitely couldn’t have done that with all the teammates behind me. All the help I’ve got from all my teammates and coaches doesn’t go unnoticed. I plan to step into my senior role and be a leader with the rest of the guys. I believe we have enough to make something happen this year.”

Last season, the Mules finished with a 12-15 record and took an early exit from the Class 6 District 1 Tournament with a loss to Jackson High School. Despite the staggered wins from the previous season, Bratcher said they will be more focused from behind the plate with their many experienced players returning.

The Mules are currently 4-2 to start the season and have already shown great strides from the plate.

Bratcher said his goals for the team are to win districts for a shot at state and to have overall good team spirit throughout the season.

“One of our biggest issues from last season was our first-inning play,” Bratcher said. “Our first innings killed us every time. If we can dwindle that and put back the errors, we’ll be a really good team, and I think we’ll be one of the best look out for from Southeast Missouri.”