05/29/2026
Proud of all our players and coaches this season! We played 36 games and finished 18 - 18 ⚾️🐾⚾️🐾.
I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work, growth, and dedication shown by every player in our program from Varsity to JV. This season was about much more than wins and losses. It was about competing together, improving every day, and building a culture that our community can be proud of. Offensively, this team battled all season long, finishing with a .309 team batting average, 292 hits, 201 RBIs, and 117 stolen bases. Our lineup consistently competed at the plate and we found ways to put pressure on opposing teams. Defensively and on the mound, these guys continued to develop throughout the season, showing toughness and resilience in every game. Whether it was delivering key hits, stealing bases, making defensive plays, or stepping into new roles when needed, every player contributed to the growth of this program.
Big thanks to our seniors, Gavin Fitzpatrick, Chandler Copley, and Gage Whitt! Thank you for your dedication, leadership, toughness, and countless memories you’ve given Tug Valley baseball over the years. You represented our school and community with pride every time you stepped on the field. This senior class leaves behind an incredible story.
Gavin was one of the most consistent bats in our lineup all season, hitting .444 with 40 hits, 42 RBIs, and 42 runs scored. He also added 22 stolen bases and got on base at a .618 clip, setting the tone offensively every time he stepped in the box. Defensively, he was solid and provided flexibility in center field, making several big-time catches and tracking down balls in the gap to take away extra bases. He also jumped in behind the plate when needed, doing a solid job keeping the ball in front and helping stabilize the defense in key moments. Gavin’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him a true spark for our offense and a big part of our senior leadership group.
Chandler was a steady force for us all year, hitting .397 with 46 hits, 36 RBIs, and 24 runs scored while adding 9 doubles and a .950 OPS. He also contributed on the mound, throwing around 63 innings with 43 strikeouts and a 3.67 ERA. When he wasn’t pitching, Chandler was shortstop for us and made tough plays look routine, giving us confidence on the left side of the infield all season. Chandler’s consistency at the plate and ability to compete on the mound made him one of our most valuable all-around players.
Gage was a true competitor for us this season, hitting .305 with 36 hits, 33 RBIs, and 21 runs scored while adding 13 stolen bases. On the mound, he threw 48.1 innings and struck out 55 hitters while continuing to battle in big moments. Defensively, Gage played third base, contributed on the mound, and even filled in at first base when Parker Smith took the hill, showing his versatility all season. Gage was key part of both our lineup and pitching staff.
As our lone returning junior, Parker Kelly provided leadership and stability all season. He finished with 27 hits, 19 RBIs, 20 runs scored, and 7 stolen bases while playing great defense in right field. Parker's example and work ethic helped guide this group from start to finish. He will be a major threat next season.
We also leaned on our talented sophomore group. Our ace, Dawson Richardson, only a 10th grader led our pitching staff, logged big innings against tough competition, and continues to establish himself as one of the top young players around. In addition to leading our pitching staff, Dawson also filled in behind the plate with a strong arm and handled third base when needed, giving us flexibility all over the field. He had another outstanding season with 80 strikeouts in 62.2 innings with a 3.02 ERA while also batting .307 with 35 hits. He gave us a chance to win every time he took the mound and has an incredibly bright future ahead.
Another sophomore , Lleyton Brumfield, continued to develop throughout the season, appearing in 17 games and contributing in a variety of ways. He showed patience at the plate with 5 walks, was a perfect 2-for-2 on stolen bases, and gained valuable varsity experience that will help him take another step forward next season. His work ethic and commitment to the team never wavered.
Sophomore Luke Mounts, though varsity opportunities were limited, Luke was key in orchestrating our dugout atmosphere. He was a big presence in JV at 3rd base and rightfield. He stayed prepared and represented what it means to be a great teammate.
Sophomore, Eli Whitt, brought speed for days. A great teammate who continued to work and improve while supporting the group throughout the season. He often played center field in JV.
Another exciting part of this season was the growth shown by our younger freshman athletes. Their development, work ethic, and willingness to learn have helped build a strong future for this program. They played key roles in our success this season.
Darian Vance was another one of our most versatile and trusted players all season. He filled multiple roles depending on what the team needed, playing shortstop when Chandler was on the mound, center field when Gavin was behind the plate, and even stepping in at catcher when Dawson took the hill. No matter where he was placed, Darian competed and held his own. Offensively, he hit .333 with 37 hits, scored 38 runs, and stole 27 bases while consistently putting pressure on defenses. His willingness to do whatever was needed made him a key piece of our lineup and a big part of our future.
Jackson Jewell, also a freshman stepped into a major role and never backed down. He contributed offensively, handled pressure situations, and gained valuable experience that will pay off down the road. He hit .327 with 32 hits, 21 RBIs, 19 runs scored, and 5 doubles while batting an impressive .424 with runners in scoring position. Defensively, he made several big-time catches in left field that changed games and gave our team a spark when we needed it most. Jackson's future is extremely bright.
Freshman Parker Smith’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. He battled every at-bat, showed patience at the plate, contributed on the mound, and proved he can help us in multiple ways. His freshman season, he collected 19 hits, including 5 doubles and 2 home runs, drove in 17 runs, and posted a .412 on-base percentage while drawing 23 walks. On the mound, he struck out 35 batters in 24.1 innings. Defensively, Parker anchored first base all season when he wasn't pitching, handling 153 chances with a .954 fielding percentage. His versatility, power, and baseball IQ make him a key piece of our future.
Kaden Carey stepped right in as a freshman and became our everyday second baseman. He appeared in 34 games, drove in 21 runs, scored 21 times, and stole 8 bases while posting a .381 on-base percentage with 22 walks. Defensively, he handled the middle infield all season and continued to grow with every game he played. Kaden’s toughness and willingness to compete made him an important part of our lineup from day one, and his future is very bright.
Freshman, Bryson Esteep, stepped in varsity when called upon, including situations due to injury or defensive changes, and handled those moments with a great attitude. In limited opportunities, he made the most of his chances at the plate and showed he can be trusted when needed. He saw some serious mound time in JV and will have even more opportuntiee moving forward for us.
Freshman, Bryson Richardson provided valuable depth throughout the season, stepping in during key moments when needed and contributing on the bases and defensively in varisity. He also added speed as a pinch runner and showed steady improvement as the season went on. He played catcher and middle infield during JV. He made huge strides this season and is going to make an immediate impact next season.
Another freshman, Rogan Moore, was a consistent presence in a support role, often used as a courtesy or pinch runner. He scored runs, stole bases, and used his speed to help create pressure on the bases whenever he entered the game. Keep your eye on him because he too will make a big presence next year. He played short stop and took the mound in Jv.
Freshman, Aidyn Jude, made the most of his chances and contributed positively whenever called upon. His attitude and support of his teammates never went unnoticed. He showed growth in each JV game. His work ethic in the off the season will push him forward for next season.
Freshman, Braylen Grimmett, brought energy and enthusiasm every day. Braylen stayed ready and helped create a positive team environment. He was willing and ready to warm up the pitchers and keep the dugout loud. He contributed in a big way during Jv. He played catcher and 3rd base. He is going to be a power hitter soon.
Freshman, Landyn Blackburn,remained a positive teammate and supportive presence throughout the year. In Jv, he became stronger and faster at 2nd base and put the bat on the ball.
The future is bright at Tug because of the effort these players have put in. Most importantly, this season would not have been possible without our coaching staff.
A big thank you to Coach Marky for his hard work as an assistant coach. He put in countless hours of practice, handling our lineups, designing uniforms, and getting quotes for needed equipment and to his wife Jade for doing an outstanding job keeping GameChanger up to date all season. We also appreciate Coach Dave for all of his help and support over the years as a coach from hitting warm ups to calling pitches and Coach Tucker for stepping in and joining us late in the season to help finish things out strong. Those who won’t be returning with us next year will truly be missed, and we are grateful for everything they poured into this program.
Thank you to the parents, families, and our great community who stood behind this team all season long. Your support means everything to these boys and coaches.
A special thank you to my husband, Josh, for all of his hard work behind the scenes running concessions and taking care of field maintenance. His time, effort, and support throughout the season made a huge difference and did not go unnoticed. I also want to thank my parents for their continued support throughout the season. Their encouragement, help, and presence at games meant a lot and never go unnoticed.
This season was filled with growth, memories, challenges, and accomplishments that this team can be proud of. We are excited to continue building and look forward to what the future holds for this program.
Most importantly I want to thank the good Lord for allowing me to coach these guys and make life time memories together.
Thank you again to our seniors, coaches, players, families, and fans for another unforgettable season. Proud to be a Panther⚾🖤🐾.
Respectfully,
Coach LeeAnn
