The interlocking T-T logo on the front of the baseball cap of the Tushka Tigers baseball team is sending a signal that there are expectations for something special this spring in their chase for the Class A state baseball championship. And, on the heels of Tushka completing a Cinderella season by winning the state championship in basketball, many of those hardwood heroes have now traded their shorts and sneakers for their gloves, bats and cleats and are ready to regain their winning fashion after reaching the Class A Fall baseball state tournament field of eight.
“Each season takes its own shape and identity but playing in the Fall state tournament and competing against the best of the best makes you raise your level of play and contributes to your growth and success as a player and team,” confirmed head coach Dax Simon, who begins his eighth season as the leader of the Tigers baseball program.
With a talent rich lineup that includes nine starters that have made three state tournament appearances, Tushka is loaded with game changers…on the mound, in the field and at the plate.
The slugging percentages are strong when the Tigers step into the batter’s box, including Landon Griffin whose .439 numbers led the team batting average last fall along with Bryson Tuck (.407), Tagen Simon (.405), Pete Goodson (.397), Lex Simon (.391) and Hayden Griffin (.380).
“Our first baseman, Walt Kerr is an impact hitter as well,” notes Simon. “He’s got plenty of pop in his bat hitting for a .362 average as a freshman.”
Pitching strength is always a plus for winning close games and the Tigers rotation has plenty of depth on the mound.
“Bryson and Hayden are both front end starters with the ability to mix their pitches,” Simon says. “Lex, Tagen, Ryan Vessels and Tristan Gibson give us plenty of relief strength plus they can also take the ball as starters, capable of getting the job done.”
Defensive strength is a constant strategy for Simon’s teams and the Tigers have plenty of proven playmakers in a variety of positions.
“Especially up the middle, our fielding is exceptional,” said Simon. “With Lex behind the plate, Tagen at shortstop and Cole in centerfield, we’ve got defensive standouts that help us win games.”
Talent and a winning mindset are part of the Tushka baseball DNA. As the spring season begins, the veteran coach has a simple approach for his dugout full of young men ready to take their spot in the lineup.
“Be the best version of yourself on and off the field. Be a good person and teammate,” said Simon, now in his 18th year of coaching. “When you compete with accountability by doing the little things right, success will follow.”
