2023 FHS baseball adopts ‘no quitting’ mentality

Head Coach Justin Lane will kick off his inaugural season as the Fulton High School baseball team mentor this season, assisted by Kirk Paitsel and Jeffrey Klimper.

Two seniors, two juniors, two freshmen, five eighth graders and five seventh graders compose the 2023 Bulldogs’ roster, with one of those seniors, one eighth grade and both juniors returning from last year’s team.

Coach Lane has assigned Junior Christian Sproul as team captain, along with Senior Tristan Lalley.

Sproul will serve as catcher for this year’s FHS team and Lalley will play third base, as well as take on pitching duties.

Junior TaZiyah Ware is the utility guy, according to Coach Lane and will play 1st base, outfield, and pitch.

Senior Keon Thomas will play outfield while freshman Jamar Martin will play short stop and outfield as well. Jamar’s twin brother, Jamal Martin will serve as the Bulldogs’ center fielder and 8th grader Shane Acosta will be playing 2nd base.

Another 8th grader, Jordan Whitman, will step in to play at 1st base, and 8th graders Killian Klimper and Keith Jordan will be playing outfield.
Jamairon Jackson, a 7th grader will also be a great utility player, Coach Lane said, as he will pitch, play shortstop and outfield. Avyin Smith, also a 7th grader will play outfield and pitch as will 7th grader Danny Gilliland. Two more 7th graders Josh Gilliand and Elijah Ware will play outfield.
In considering his assets for the team, Coach Lane sees his group’s ability to play hard as a unit a valuable tool.

“I think everyone just playing hard and playing as a unit will be key. We are very young but we have some very athletic kids but just very little experience. I feel like just continuing to learn and play hard is our best asset. We have no quit in us,” Coach Lane said.
In considering what may be their biggest challenge, the Head Coach would most likely look at a lack of pitching consistency.

“Being so young this pitching will be something we will have to continue to work out throughout the season. Also overcoming our youth versus the more experienced teams. So just continuing to get better and work hard will be very important,” he said.

On the 2023 schedule, Coach Lane said St. Mary, a top team in the region, could be their toughest opponent, with Hickman County and Carlise County tough matchups in the district.

The first year coach has set goals for his team which include an ongoing effort to get better and to keep learning.

“Our goal is to work hard every day and compete. We never want to quit in a game, just keep fighting. I feel like if we can keep this young core together, we can become much better over the next couple years. I am just looking forward to the challenge. I want to be a part of these players’ lives more than just being a coach. Building relationships is key to winning teams and we will play with class and always keep fighting,” Coach Lane said.