-
Senior sluggers power Oran to second straight undefeated Fall (10/5/24)BELL CITY, Mo. — Oran’s fall season ended with a bang — five, to be precise — as each senior sent the ball over the fence, leading to a resounding 16-0 win at Bell City on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Adding to their storied legacy, the Eagles (11-0) finished the fall campaign with a flawless record for the second consecutive year, and have won 27 straight games across the past three fall seasons...
-
Bernie youngster seizes opportunity when it presents itself (10/4/24)Veteran Bernie High School baseball coach Marcus Massey certainly wasn’t thrilled when his top two pitchers, senior Taylor Stanfield, and junior Leightin Hicks, both suffered injuries recently.
-
Holcomb Hornets crowned Tri-County Champs (10/4/24)Holcomb Hornets clinch Tri-County title, defeating Risco Tigers 5-1.
-
Dobbins sets state career doubles record as Lady Tigers win (10/2/24)NEELYVILLE — It was a record-setting day for Neelyville’s Reese Dobbins on Monday as her Lady Tigers defeated Chaffee 3-2. Dobbins connected on an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning to get the 69th double of her high school career, eclipsing the old record of 68 set by Sullivan’s Kayla Urich in 2019...
-
Holcomb's late rally help the team advance to Tri-County Championship (10/2/24)Holcomb Hornets rally late to secure a 7-2 victory over Gideon, advancing to the Tri-County Championship.
-
Gideon beat Clarkton 7-1 in Tri-County Fall Baseball Tournament Opener (10/1/24)With strong performances from Pacey Lowry and Brayden Knapp, Gideon advances to face top-seeded Holcomb.
-
Mules battling opponents, injuries through challenging fall season (10/1/24)One of the reasons for playing 20-some baseball games each fall for some of the smaller high schools throughout Missouri is to learn more about each team, and specifically, about each player’s ability and potential for the upcoming spring. Veteran Bernie High School baseball coach Marcus Massey has achieved both through this fall, which has had its positive moments, as well as some challenging ones.
-
Bearcat baseball players are 'built to play safety' for tenacious Dexter D (9/25/24)There has been no shortage of highlights – on both sides of the ball – this fall for the Dexter High School football program.
-
Bell City BB riding experienced arms (finally) to success (9/25/24)Some Missouri high school baseball programs have the unique advantage of playing 20-some games each fall, which allows programs like Bell City to get a step ahead in assessing different players and situations that may result in success in the spring.
-
Naylor hurler tosses school’s first perfect game (9/20/24)NAYLOR — The sweat was dripping as his chest pumped. Not from fear, but of the proverbial “zone” he was in as the tension mounted. Two outs in the fifth and up 10-0, Naylor senior hurler Kyle Tubb did what he does best: shut down the opposing offense en route to a perfect game against Clearwater on Sept. 10...
-
Bernie-based company took a swing and has connected (9/12/24)At last month’s Babe Ruth Baseball World Series, when the teenage athletes weren’t competing on the Capaha Field diamond, it was a safe bet that they were flocking en masse up the hill at a display of vibrantly adorned wooden bats. “This is a metal bat tournament,” David Keathley said, “and we sell wooden bats. We’ve done very well today.”
-
Caruthersville Athletics creates initial Hall of Fame class to honor (9/12/24)The lore of athleticism flowing through the halls of Caruthersville High School over time has been a storied one.
-
Tigers fall short against Greenville (9/11/24)NEELYVILLE — The Neelyville Tigers couldn't keep up with the Greenville Bears on Tuesday at Neelyville High School Baseball Field. In an attempt to win their second straight game, the Tigers had a hard time containing Greenville and fell 13-3. Greenville got cooking early with a base hit from Ian Meyer, which resulted in three runs of an error from the Tigers. ...
-
Cooter BB is on the rebound after brief struggle in spring (9/9/24)The current perception of Cooter High School baseball is that the program is down a notch, particularly after falling to Senath-Hornersville 15-4 and Bernie 11-0 in its two latest outings. However, given that the Wildcats’ roster is more than half made up of freshmen and sophomores, and those young kids have shown glimpses of ability, Cooter opponents may want to enjoy this respite, because it may end up being brief.
-
Twin Rivers Royals showcase talent at weekend tournament (9/9/24)VAN BUREN — The Twin Rivers Royals had a good showing at the Bank of Grandin Baseball Classic. The Royals finished 1-1 on Saturday after facing some stiff competition. In the first matchup against the Alton Varsity Comets, the Royals won 16-0. Luke Hester made a lot of noise on the plate for the Royals. Hester collected three hits, which resulted in a triple in the second inning, a single in the first inning and a single in the third inning...
-
Cooter knocks off Bell City 3-2 in odd contest (9/6/24)COOTER – The Bell City High School baseball program is coming off its most successful spring since winning the third of three consecutive MSHSAA Class 1 state championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
-
Holcomb baseball gear up for success in fall season (8/29/24)Coach Dubar's team, fueled by summer growth and leadership, eyes a strong season comeback with a nearly intact roster and fresh talent.
-
Naile’s injury devastating for KBO-leading Tigers (8/27/24)A shockwave rippled through the Kia Tigers’ clubhouse and their loyal fanbase back home in Charleston, Missouri, as news broke of ace pitcher James Naile’s season-ending injury. The right-hander, a hometown hero who’s been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ dominance this season, was struck in the face by a line drive during Saturday’s game against the NC Dinos. Naile left the field under his own power and underwent successful surgery on Sunday...
-
South Pem baseball has no shortage of experience returning this fall (8/26/24)The expectations for the South Pemiscot High School baseball squad last spring weren’t much, as the Bulldogs entered the postseason with just four wins. However, what South Pemiscot had going for it was some talented youngsters, three very good seniors, and a coach (Jason House) with as much experience (15 years leading the program) as anyone could hope for.
-
Payne ready for next step at Mineral Area (8/22/24)If positive momentum helps him at all, as he embarks on the next chapter of his athletic journey, then former Oran High School standout pitcher Kolten Payne should be alright this fall, as he throws for Mineral Area Community College. “Kolten is a bulldog and we’re going to ride him,” veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz said recently of his top arm.
-
Summer baseball’s fiercest rivalry comes to close in last chapter of Squirrels-Tropics (8/16/24)The Southeast Tropics bid farewell after an eight-year run, ending their storied rivalry with the Charleston Fighting Squirrels. Discover how this fierce yet friendly competition shaped local Babe Ruth Baseball.
-
Talan McDaniel's relief heroics propel Squirrels to Babe Ruth World Series quarterfinal win (8/15/24)Talan McDaniel's stellar relief pitching led the Aycorp Fighting Squirrels to a thrilling 12-11 victory over Altoona, securing a semifinal spot in the 2024 Babe Ruth World Series.
-
Fighting Squirrels secure top overall seed in dominant victory over Netherlands (8/14/24)The Aycorp Fighting Squirrels clinched the top seed in the Babe Ruth World Series playoffs with a commanding 12-2 win over the Netherlands, showcasing strong offense and strategic pitching.
-
Big-Game Benthal has Tropics on brink of another World Series title (8/14/24)Memo to the remaining teams competing in the Babe Ruth World Series on Thursday: You might want to think twice about pitching to Southeast Tropics cleanup hitter Trey Benthal.
-
Tropics are 'getting hot at the right time' in Series (8/14/24)Every coach, regardless of the sport, wants his/her team to be playing its best when the season is on the line.
-
Wyatt Friley's grand slam powers Squirrels to mercy-rule victory over Altoona (8/13/24)Wyatt Friley's grand slam ignited a nine-run first inning, propelling the Aycorp Fighting Squirrels to a 13-3 mercy-rule victory over Altoona. The Squirrels remain undefeated in the Babe Ruth World Series.
-
Tropics dismiss adversity quickly before exploding for W (8/12/24)One thing that cannot be debated about the Southeast Tropics is that this group of players can be stunningly oblivious to any adversity that confronts the squad.
-
Squirrel Magic: Fighting Squirrels' stunning comeback ices out Manassas late (8/11/24)The Aycorp Fighting Squirrels pulled off a dramatic late-game comeback to defeat Manassas 3-1, thanks to a stellar performance from pitcher Peyton Hodges and some clutch hitting from Owen Osborne.
-
Benthal's bat boosts hot Tropics to World Series W (8/11/24)The late summer surge by the Southeast Tropics continued Saturday, as they topped Aruba 6-2 in the second game of the Babe Ruth World Series at Capaha Field.
-
Baseball Down Under: Aussie Drop Bears’ unorthodox road to Cape Girardeau (8/10/24)The Aussie Drop Bears' journey to the 2024 Babe Ruth World Series in Cape Girardeau is a testament to their love for baseball. Despite the odds and a grueling selection process, these 12 players are making Australia proud.
-
Brady Swims' early blast propels Squirrels to dominant World Series-opening win (8/10/24)Brady Swims' early three-run homer and Levi McKinnie's dominant pitching led the Aycorp Fighting Squirrels to a 6-0 shutout win over Australia in their World Series opener, setting the stage for a promising tournament run.
-
Payne, Tropics dominant in World Series opener (8/10/24)The Southeast Tropics wanted to send a message on Friday to the other 15 teams participating in the 2024 Babe Ruth World Series at Capaha Field after winning the tournament a year ago.
-
Major league dream comes true for Misner (8/10/24)ST. LOUIS — Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kameron Misner said something before Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium that proved to be prophetic. “We’ve fallen short the last couple of games, but it’s baseball,” said Misner, who grew up in Poplar Bluff while playing football and baseball at Poplar Bluff High School. “I’m glad to be here and whenever they call my name, I’m going to be excited to get in there and try and help them out.”...
-
Record-Breaking Bulldog: Adams leaves lasting legacy (8/9/24)CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Humility is a hallmark of Mason Adams’ character, even in the face of extraordinary achievement. The Portageville standout, recently named the 2024 Semoball Awards Baseball Player of the Year, is quick to credit others for his success...
-
Have Payne, can gain is the motto for the Tropics (8/9/24)Veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz acknowledges that the road to a championship repeat for his team in the 2024 Babe Ruth World Series won’t be an easy journey.
-
Eftink, Umfleet brought 'chemistry' to Tropics in their final summers (8/8/24)In some regards, veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz is living the existence of a minor league manager, whose team advances to the postseason. As is often the case at that level, the manager loses players to September call-ups, right as he could utilize them for his playoff success.
-
Babe Ruth World Series returns, schedule released for 2024 tournament (8/6/24)For the second consecutive year, Cape Girardeau plays host to the 18-and-under Babe Ruth World Series at Capaha Field, and it brights plenty of foreign and domestic flavor with it. For starters, like last year, the Aycorp Fighting Squirrels of nearby Charleston, Missouri, will host the event and get an automatic qualifying bid, while the Southeast Tropics got a bid with the top finish in Missouri for a shot at defending their national championship...
-
Poplar Bluff's Greenwall is heading to Jefferson College (7/29/24)Breaking records for the Poplar Bluff Mules baseball in his final was never the goal for graduate Kobly Greenwall, but his brilliance at the plate has earned him the opportunity to play collegiate baseball. Greenwall signed his National Letter of Intent on Monday at Poplar Bluff High School to play baseball at Jefferson College to become a member of the Vikings for the upcoming season...
-
Sauer overcomes, excels en route to Semoball Awards Comeback Athlete victory (7/24/24)Against all odds, John-Paul Sauer made it happen. Recovering from a torn ACL, signing with Tulane University and finishing his senior season with Jackson baseball undefeated, the kid never let adversity get in the way of pure dominance. The Indians pitcher was an obvious choice for the 2024 Semoball Comeback Athlete of the Year sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals...
-
MSHSAA shakes up state baseball playoffs: Series play coming to Class 5 and 6 (7/23/24)The Missouri high school baseball landscape is set for a significant shake-up in 2025, as the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has announced a major format change for its Class 5 and 6 state playoffs. Beginning next season, the quarterfinal round will transition from a single-elimination game to a best-of-three series...
-
Risco senior putting in the time to elevate already (very) strong game (7/22/24)DELTA – Being physically active might be a problem in the world of some teenagers throughout America, but that doesn’t include Risco High School senior athlete Sammy Smith.
-
Former Jackson athlete finds his groove at the plate (eventually) for Tropics (7/22/24)The summer baseball season reached a frustrating point for the Southeast Tropics recently when they dropped a pair of games (3-2 and 7-4) to their rivals, the Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels, in the Senior Babe Ruth Baseball State Tournament.
-
Oran's Rylan Mills commits to SEMO after stellar championship season (7/19/24)SIKESTON — Fresh off leading Oran to a state championship and earning MBCA Class 1 Player of the Year honors, Rylan Mills, a standout rising senior, has committed to continuing his academic and baseball career at Southeast Missouri State University...
-
Squirrels store another trophy, beat Tropics for second straight state title (7/18/24)CHARLESTON, Mo. – The Charleston Fighting Squirrels are back on top in the Show-Me State, claiming their second straight Babe Ruth State Championship with a 7-4 victory over the reigning World Series Champions, the Southeast Tropics. The Squirrels’ win at Hillhouse Park on Tuesday sets the stage for a potential rematch with the Tropics at the 2024 World Series in Cape Girardeau, where Charleston hopes to avenge last year’s underwhelming performance...
-
Jackson senior commits to Evansville baseball (7/18/24)The Jackson High School baseball program continues the tradition of having a future Division I player leading the team. Rising senior Cooper Rhodes announced on social media on Thursday, July 18, his commitment to the University of Evansville. The Purple Aces went 39-26 and won the Missouri Valley Conference championship, and the Greenville Regional before falling to Tennessee, the eventual national champions, in a three-game Super Regional...
-
Redbirds optimistic ahead of next season (7/17/24)ELLSINORE — The East Carter Redbirds finished the baseball season with a 13-9 record and their fourth consecutive Black River League championship. After falling in the second round of the Class 2 District 2 tournament, head coach Ethan Boyer reflected on the past season and looked ahead to next year...
-
'Old Squirrel magic' has returned heading back into State title game (7/16/24)CHARLESTON – It’s been a laborious summer for veteran Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels manager Michael Minner.
-
Tropics' Payne is perfect in W to set up title tilt with rival Squirrels (7/16/24)CHARLESTON – With an opportunity to defend his team’s 2023 Senior Babe Ruth World Series championship next month hanging in the balance, veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz left nothing to chance on Monday.
-
Squirrels rally late, knock off Tropics in State Tourney (7/15/24)CHARLESTON – For much of this summer baseball season, veteran Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels manager Michael Minner hasn’t been thrilled with how his team has performed, beginning with a 10-0 season-opening loss to their rivals, the Southeast Tropics at Hillhouse Park in Charleston.
-
Tropics get 'wake-up call' in dramatic State W (7/14/24)Earlier in this summer baseball season, veteran Southeast Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz could find a sense of admiration for his team’s ability to always find a way to success, even if it were in the final pitches of a game. “Our guys don’t quit,” Schwartz said at the time. “We can kind of wait a little late sometimes to get going. “They are never out of a game.”