Tallulah Falls’ baseball roster looks vastly different from last season’s group that finished 12-13. Coach Justin Pollock returns just two starters, including senior and three-year starter Frankie Moree. However, the cupboard is far from bare, as several young players are expected to contribute at a high level for the Indians.
While the Indians set many individual and team records offensively last season, including a total of 217 runs scored and 20 home runs, the pitching lacked depth and consistency, and fell just a game short of a playoff berth. Although much of the homerun power has moved on, the lineup is still solid, and the pitching corp is expected to be more reliable.
Pollock has noted that the team has a high level of energy, work ethic, and are committed to the process. Moree is one such player that the Indians will rely on for veteran leadership, and other key players include Cole Bonitatibus, Hutson Eller, Danny Grant, Rohajae Pinder, Chase Pollock, Ashton Roache, and Caden Walker. Many of them got reps last season, but most of that group were further on the depth chart, thus haven’t had a chance to show what they are capable of at the varsity level.
“We hope to get better every day, play our best baseball at the end of the season, and make the playoffs,” Pollock said of the team’s focus and ultimate goal.
The Indians will open the season at home against Hart County Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the official season-opener at home. It kickstarts a string of four straight home games before a stretch on the road.
Among the exciting matchups for the Indians in 2023 includes a Feb. 22 opportunity to play at Coolray Field, home of the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A team, the Gwinnett Stripers. TFS will square off with East Jackson in that contest.
The all-new Region 8-A DI includes TFS, Rabun County, Commerce, Elbert County, Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy, and Athens Christian.
JV Baseball
The JV Indians also have high expectations with a roster full of talent that is looking to gain necessary experience needed for the next level. Coach Kyle Dampier heads up the team, which opens their season on Feb. 16 at home against Commerce.
The JV season will include 17 games, eight of which are on the home field. The JV team last season went 7-1-1 overall and featured players such as Pinder, Davante Brown, Roache, and Andrew Skavrka among others who are now at the varsity level. With significantly more games on the calendar this season, the JV Indians will get far more reps.
– Brian Carter