 For a team with as little pitching depth as Hendrix, Matt Blanton from Clearwater, FL, fills an integral role with his power-pitching style. In the season opener against Ouachita Baptist, Blanton stuck out nine, allowing only one hit. It is no wonder that this senior has been selected to lead the Warriors this year as the team captain.
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As the weather starts to warm up and spring looks to be just around the corner, the start of another baseball season is taking place. For our Hendrix Warriors, this means more than it has in the past. In previous seasons, the Warriors have gone out and achieved many good things on and off the diamond, but it is this present squad that represents something very special in terms of the future success of the team. Last year, the Warriors experienced their best season to date, finishing 20-20 and playing their best against traditionally tough opponents in conference, Millsaps, Southwestern and Trinity. These three teams have proven to be the most difficult opponents for the Warriors and have stood in the way of the team in attempts to make the conference playoffs. Senior pitcher and selection to last years all-conference team Brad Henry eyes Millsaps and Southwestern as key match-ups in the this year's quest for a post season berth. "Millsaps is an important game for us, if we can take games from them and Southwestern we will have put ourselves in a good position in the West (conference in SCAC)," Henry said. Henry was an instrumental part in last year's success as he pitched many important games for the Warriors. There are however many important upperclassmen leaders on the team that Henry cites as instrumental for the success of the team.
Senior Matt Blanton ("PK") is the number one pitcher this year, and behind his throwing and performances, the team can expect solid performances out of him every game he throws. Another senior on the team is Brent Little, who plays catcher. Both players played well last year and will be looked upon to be good influences on the younger players on the team. Another returning player is junior Justin Taylor, who last year hit .475 and was tenth in the nation for his batting average. His performances at the plate this year could very well be the edge on teams like Millsaps and Southwestern. All of these upperclassmen worked hard for the great record posted last year and, according to Henry, will be the strong backbone of a solid team.
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