Pattillo back in dugout for second season at Mules’ helm

One season isn’t enough time to showcase years of expertise on the baseball field, so Poplar Bluff Mules head coach John David Pattillo is eager to return to the diamond.

With deep roots within the Mules baseball program, Pattillo will embark on his second season as the head coach. As the first year was more of a learning experience, Pattillo will depend on the growth of his players as the Mules attempt to erase a five-year gap of competing for a district championship.

“It feels so good to be back on the ball field,” Patillo said. “We’ve been fortunate to have good weather, and our practices have gone really well. We have good numbers coming into the season, and we’re really excited about the year we have in front of us.”

The Mules finished 12-16 last season and took an early exit in the Class 6 District 1 Tournament against the Jackson Indians, who finished third in the state tournament. Despite being under .500 on the season, it was a step up in wins for the Mules in recent years. Though it wasn’t the ending Patillo wanted, he noticed the silver lining on where the Mules could go as a team for the future.

Patillo took many notes from his first year as head coach, and regardless of the previous season’s outcome, the players and Patillo have optimism and hope they will have a successful season.

“Our growth throughout last year into the summertime was tremendous all-around,” Patillo said. “I feel really good that we’ve got some kids that have improved. Some kids have gotten stronger and matured on and off the field. These guys have worked hard all the way up to this point, and I’m really excited about this group.”

Returning for the Mules are seniors Dylan Bratcher, Kolby Greenwall, Rylan Seesengood and Cameron Settle. Unlike the eight seniors Patillo had on his roster the first year, he will rely on a core group to lead the Mules to the promised land and a shot at the district title.

“Having Bratcher and Seesengood back as key starters from last year will give us that boost we need from the mound,” Patillo said. “Greenwall was one of our leading hitters, so I’m eager to see him take care of things from the plate. We sometimes struggled with finding a flow last year, and I hope he can get us going. Settle is our utility guy that does a bit of everything. He pitches and plays the infield and outfield.”

The Mules will also have a newcomer senior and outfielder, Kaine Lewis. Patillo said the team is excited to have Lewis on board, and despite being new to the program, he feels Lewis will be a good puzzle for the Mules’ game plan.

The Mules will have their season opener when they hit the road on Friday to challenge the Neelyville Tigers. Patillo said the Mules’ big focus for this season is putting pressure on themselves daily in practice. Regarding their scheme to land wins, Patillo is confident in the Mules’ solid offensive group and will utilize their defense to close out.

“All in all, we got to do the little things to have a good year,” he said. “We can’t take any shortcuts when running the bases or putting the ball in play. We’re a team that will probably not hit a lot of home runs, but I think this team has a chance to score a lot of runs. Pitching-wise, we get a couple of guys who can throw and one back from an injury, so I think our depth will definitely be better this year on the mound.