Young Pilots possess experience, talent

When the Fulton County Pilots take the field this season, a youth movement will be in place.

The Pilots roster includes 17 players, but only three of those are in a grade higher than a sophomore.

Called upon to guide the baseball program’s resurgence will be six year assistant coach Charles Choate, who has now been promoted to the head position.

When asked about the Pilots field presence this season, coach Choate said he sees potential at practice each day.

“I know everyone is going to look at how young we are, but I think we can surprise some teams with the way we play. The majority of the roster says freshmen and sophomores, but many of the guys will be on the field for their second, or third year. They have had some good game experience, and many are just really good athletes. I know I’ve already had several people say that we have a good future, but I quickly tell them that I think we have a good present.”

Fulton County will look for leadership from their three seniors, Noah Miller, A.J. Turner and Damyen Goodrich, to lead the way during the year.

Choate said all three are really good players, who give it all when the first pitch is thrown.

“I think they know that the young guys are looking for them to do good things, and I believe that is the role they want. Damyen has been our anchor on the mound the last couple of years, with A.J. really solid at centerfield and Noah giving us good play at second base. They each want to go out with a good record and good season, so I anticipate really special things from these guys.”

Choate also had strong praise for a core group of the young players, who made an impact last season.

“I have 14 sophomores, freshmen and one eighth grader on the team, and will have no problem putting any of them on the field. We will be counting on Dylan Hammond at first base, Broc Bridges at third, along with Myles Amberg behind the plate and Logan Johnson at shortstop and second base. These players are really talented, and have made some off season commitments in the weight room. In the outfield, Hayden Murphy and Thorne Massey return for their second season, and they play their positions really well and give us some experience.”

Choate said the players and coaches are ready to get the season started, with hopes of good ending results.

“I just want to see these guys play hard and get better everyday. I think we can get a better picture of where we stand once we can play against someone other than ourselves. We will just play it one game at a time, and learn from both our strengths and weaknesses.”