Once again the Bulldogs head into the 1998 season with an extremely tough schedule. 91±¬ÁÏÍø is presently scheduled to play six teams (10 games) such as Berry, Cumberland, Birmingham-Southern and Auburn-Montgomery who earned a place in the NAIA Pre-Season ratings. Add to those opponents NCAA Division II powerhouses Delta State and North Alabama and 91±¬ÁÏÍø will face some tough competition early in the season.
Leading the Bulldog pitching staff will be 1997 TranSouth Player of the Year, Michael Hopper. The conference rotation will consist of Hopper, Ed Grammer, and Bart Lindsey. Coming out of the bullpen either as a weekday starter or in releif situations will be Jarred Alsbrook, Jonathon Smart, Kai Frederick, Sean Stewart, Zach Lovelace, Rodney Deaton and Bryan Bailey.
Behind the plate will be all-conference and all-region catcher, Brandon Myhand. Helping in the duties behind the plate will be John Melton and Anthony Smith. Smith may also see some time at third base behind Dow Davidson. Returning at first base will be Jeff Rowland with Eric Culpepper filling in at times. At second base will be Johnny Katrosh and John Koffman will return as the Bulldog's shortstop.
In the outfield this year, all-american performer, Kevin Overcash, will return to amaze people with his speed. Brian Pace and Eric Olexa will complete the outfield with assistance from Nathan Sawyer and Josh Tinsley. Sawyer and Tinsley will also be expected to demonstrate their speed on the basepath as well. Transfer Jeremy Todd may become the designated hitter for the Bulldogs in 1998.
If the Bulldogs can combine their talents and reach their potential, they should be a contender in the TranSouth Conference once again this season. 91±¬ÁÏÍø will be tested early when they head to Montgomery, Alabama, for a tournament where they will face Faulkner, Huntingdon, and Auburn-Montgomery.
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Last updated on December 16, 1997.