Lone senior doing the 'dirty things' to help Caruthersville succeed

The present is pretty nice to observe for the Caruthersville High School baseball program.

Heading into today’s regular-season finale at home against Bernie (16-9) at 4:30 p.m., the Tigers (16-9) have enjoyed their most successful spring in seven seasons.

“The boys have worked hard,” third-year coach Joey Middleton said recently.

With 18 of his 19 players returning in 2025, Middleton has to feel positive about the future, as well. However, that doesn’t mean that he won’t miss having his lone senior, third baseman Tristen Hill, around next year.

“I can describe Tristen with one word, and that is grit,” Middleton said. “He is willing to do the dirty things. He is willing to get dirty.”

That was evident in a recent loss to Campbell in the Bootheel Conference Tournament, as Hill’s red-and-white uniform had dirt running from his chest to his ankles.

“He is willing to do all of the little things that people don’t see or don’t think matter,” Middleton continued on Hill.

Things like providing a veteran bat at the bottom of the order.

Hill hits in the eight- or nine-hole for the Tigers, which allows Caruthersville to get some production out of the bottom of the order. He also has the athleticism to run the base paths and nab a stolen base here and there.

“He’s the guy who takes care of those things,” Middleton said.

In that game with Campbell, Hill drew a walk and stole a base, as Middleton’s team was trying to generate some degree of offense on a day that the Tigers were struggling.

“Tristen is a great leader,” Middleton said. “He is a very emotional kid.”

With a young roster, some moments call for some experience out on the diamond, and it can’t always be Middleton.

“Tristen is willing to put a teammate in check,” Middleton said. “He is THAT guy.”

Following today’s game, Caruthersville will venture to Malden as the No. 2 seed in the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 Tournament.

The Tigers will battle No. 3-seed Twin Rivers (15-7) on Monday at 4:30 p.m.

“Offensively,” Middleton said of this spring, “we have struggled, a little bit, throughout the year, but there have been bright areas.

“We’ve been winning tight games because of our defense and pitching.”