Photo courtesy of Todd Kwarcinski
Briarwood Baseball
The Lions need Jake Morris to get on base often at the top of the order.
“This is a baseball.”
That is how Briarwood Christian coach Steve Renfroe starts every season, no matter how young or experienced his new team is.
“We approach it the same way every year. We love teaching the game,” he said.
As is the case most years at the high school level, a number of roles vacated by outgoing seniors have to be filled with inexperienced players, many of whom have been chomping at the bit for their chance.
“It’s fun watching guys that might not have had a significant role a year ago grow into one,” Renfroe said. “Normally for us, we’re a team that usually gets better towards the end.”
Carson Eddy will return as the top player for the Lions following a standout freshman season. He was named to the second-team Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team in Class 6A in 2015, the only freshman to be honored.
“He had a super year as a freshman. He’s a good baseball player,” Renfroe said. “He’s a left-handed hitter, and he’ll hit. He can run a little bit, too.”
Trey Mitchell, Luis Fuentes and Sam Strickland will get the first crack at solidifying spots at the top end of the Lions pitching staff. With seven starters lost from last year’s unit, pitching will be a premium as Briarwood figures out its offensive strengths and weaknesses.
Jake Morris will be a familiar face in center field, heading into his third season as a starter. He will likely hit in the leadoff or No. 2 spot in the batting order. Renfroe calls him an “on-base guy and a great defender.”
Briarwood is a lock for the Class 6A playoffs once again, with Homewood being the only opponent in Area 9.
“We play a really good schedule, though,” Renfroe said. “We always try to play the teams ahead of us in our divisions.”
The Lions begin their season on Feb. 15, as they host the Briarwood Christian Tournament.
