Buster Baseball Looks to Improve on 2007 Successes

GARDEN CITY, KANSAS – After playing in the Region VI Championship Game for the second time in three seasons the Busters are looking to improve on their successes of the last few years. Already owning an all-time winning record against every Jayhawk West opponent the Busters will be led by a few returning sophomores and a large class of freshman.

The only returning position player from last season is New Mexico native Christian Lucero (Farmington, NM). Lucero, who played third base for Garden City last season, will move back to second base where he began the season in 2007. Lucero’s walk-off single against Butler in last season’s Region VI tournament capped off one of the most memorable comebacks in Garden City history. Christian will most likely play a more dominant role in the Busters’ batting order as he moves from the 2-hole down into the middle of the order.

On the mound the Busters return three pitchers from the Region VI runner-up squad of 2007. Rex Ingham (Colorado Springs, CO) is the only returning pitcher who had at least one start last season. He had 13. Ingham is again expected to be a starter for third year, head coach Chris Finnegan. 

After tying the college record for saves in a season (10) Bryce Butt (Omaha, NE) will move into the starting rotation. Bryce led the team with 24 appearances last year, threw 25 innings and walked only four. 

Ryan Merrell (Lindale, TX) will again be used out of the bullpen during the 2008 season. Merrell will be counted on to see Garden City through some tough spots and earn his reputation of being one of the best relievers in the country.

The freshman class at Garden City is large. The opening day roster will see 23 players with no previous college game experience. Ben Wilson (Lawrence, KS), Brian Chritz (Arvada, CO), Cass Via (Fruita, CO), Luke Fisher (Grand Junction, CO) and Sloan Soulia (Peyton, CO) are a few of the position players that are expected to see some action early in the season. 

New pitchers include Hayden Daugherty (Elk City, OK), Heath Wyatt (Searcy, AR), Nate Van Bibber (Littleton, CO) and Joey Cifuentes (Clinton, AR). 

The best thing the Busters have going for them is competition. There are very few positions on the team that have been won by any individual outright. Their dedication and determination can prove to be a major asset in the success of the upcoming 2008 season.

The Busters open their season on February 8 against Northeast Texas CC in Mount Pleasant, TX. Garden City opens their home schedule at Williams Stadium, JUCO baseball’s best on-campus facility, on February 20 against Brown Mackie.