Dons Baseball Looks to Improve on Last Season’s Results

Dons baseball will open its season at home at Bob Byrd Field on March 15.

Photo by Steve Inman

The Doniphan Dons baseball team goes into the 2024 season looking to improve on last season’s 15-16 record under new head coach Jimbo Blackwell.

Returning starters for the Dons this year are Keaton Kepley, Maddox Baucom, Garrett Griffin, Blake Lewis, Keaton Wilcutt, Lane Allen, Lane Dean, and Aiden McAfee. Blackwell says he expects his veterans to be leaders for this year’s team.

He also said that he has several freshmen on the team this year, so there may be contributions from the next group of players to step onto the high school field.

In analyzing the Dons’ pitching staff, Blackwell said, “I think we have four or five guys who can rush it up to the plate pretty well and also throw strikes.

“I feel like the depth of our pitching staff will be a strength,” he said.

Blackwell likes the look of his defense; however, he is still looking for a starting catcher.

“I think we will be solid defensively,” he said. “We will need someone to step up behind the plate and win the catching job.”

In terms of hitting, Blackwell said, “We have a few guys with some pop, but we are going to have to be able to put the ball in play up and down the lineup.”

In order to improve from last season, Blackwell said, “I think we will have to do a better job of making the routine plays and running the bases.”

Part of a new season involves examining the schedule and anticipating the competition.

“The Ozark Foothills Conference will be tough plus we have scheduled some tough non-conference games,” Blackwell said. Their season opens at home on March 15 with OFC opponent Twin Rivers.

The schedule this year is road-heavy, with only seven home games compared to 11 road games plus the Malden Invitational Tournament in mid-April.

Blackwell’s strategy for success is simple: “Our goal is to show up every day to get better and play fundamental, hard-nosed baseball.”