What is a raider? A raider is a commando, ranger, or the like, that is specially trained to participate in military raids. Another definition is a light, fast warship, aircraft, etc., used in such a raid. It can also mean something along the lines of the Civil War raiders who worked with such military precision. This definition fits the structure of the Whitesville Trinity boys’ baseball team this year. This team is attempting to emerge from the lower portion of the Region 3 standings, and they know it will take some hard work and dedication to get there.
Starting with the pre-season training schedule that began in earnest about 1 month ago, head coach Wes Riley and his staff have been training this team to compete no matter what the scoreboard happens to say at any given point in the game. They brought in minor league pitcher, Tyler Blandford to work with their pitching staff, and also began working with their hitters, as well.
Coach Riley was upbeat during an earlier interview when he stated that “…this team has the ability and work ethic to be one of the best teams Trinity has ever had.” While admitting that the 1998 team was the team that set the bar for all the teams that followed, he sees this team possessing the necessary tools to become a solid, competitive team in the district, as well as the region.
Riley pointed out two of the Raider players who personify the vision he has for his team. He is certainly instilling this philosophy into every Raider ballplayer, but he felt as if these two players already possess the message in large portions.
Dalton Payne is a smaller player with a big presence…just go ahead and let his stature lull you to sleep; you’ll be sorry trying to get the ground ball to first before his foot steps down on the bag a step or two ahead of your throw. The junior centerfielder possesses a mentality that matches the important aspects of speed and plate discipline that garnered him the starting job out in center. Coach Riley spoke volumes about this player’s approach to the game, “Dalton Payne is a “blue collar” type of player. He comes to the park every day to work hard and get better at the game of baseball. He is one of the hardest working players I have had the opportunity to coach. Dalton is our lead-off hitter this year while patrolling centerfield. He has not gotten off to the start he had hoped for, but with his work ethic, he will be fine.”
Just to inform the reader a little on that last comment by the coach, players with big upside usually have this happen to them at least once during their career – just look at Bryce Harper for the Nationals. Like Harper, Payne seems to be pressing at times, but that’s normal for players who want the leadership mantle to fall on their shoulders. Leading is not done from the dugout, riding the pine. Coach Riley agrees; “He is putting too much pressure on himself at the dish early in the season. When he learns to just relax and enjoy playing the game, he will become the “table-setter” I know he can be at the top of our line-up. Dalton is well respected by me and his teammates, which allows him to be more of a leader for such a young, talented team. Dalton was voted one of our 3 team captains by his teammates.”
The other leader of this team that has a membership in the Wes Riley School of Baseball Philosophy is junior shortstop, Max Lanham. “Max Lanham is the most versatile player we have on this year’s team. He can play about anywhere on the field if needed. He will be a mainstay at shortstop right now. This is his first year playing SS after playing outfield and 3B in the past. He is doing a fine job early being the leader on the field. Like Dalton, Max is putting too much pressure on himself at the dish early in the season. Max is hitting in the 3 hole with power to all fields, but trying to do too much. When he learns to relax and enjoy playing the game, he will become a much more productive hitter out of the 3 hole. He is making good contact just hitting balls right at people. It happens! Max was also voted on of our 3 team captains by his teammates.”
Coach Riley has it right; playing the game has a very tough mental side that plays tricks with your mind – sometimes it takes a little bit of time before the worries, mists, and discouragement takes a backseat to talent. When it finally does, watch out!
Riley is certain that both players will play through their funk, and get back to playing high energy baseball again. He even sees a level of talent that could be very tempting for some college teams. These two young men are special to me and this program. They have the opportunity to play baseball at the college level and will be the first two players I send to the college level as a Head Coach.” While that type of statement is easy to make, it rings with a certainty that is hard to deny. This coach believes that they have the talent and determination to play at the next level. A coach’s endorsement always carries some weight.
Think of something else while you contemplate his endorsement – Coach Riley has already been involved on a coaching staff that has seen a top player go on to some great success. He was a member of the coaching staff that sent Tyler Blandford off to Oklahoma State, and then to the Seattle Mariners minor league system! “ I have been an assistant and seen players move on after high school, but only being in my 2nd year as a Head Coach I to see a couple of my players move on to play college baseball… that would be very satisfying for me and the Raider Baseball program.” Wes stated that he’s actively working on that scenario with these two players right now.
Both players are being counted on for very different roles this season. Dalton will use great plate discipline and speed to set the table for Max to “…start driving in runs in the 3 hole.” Max anticipated this team’s need for that type of play, and revealed that he’d been working to improve in some areas that would meet that need during the offseason. “[I’ve attempted to improve] my power, speed and my foot work.” Those are all necessary components for a good defensive shortstop – and Lanham fits the bill on that score.
Even after some difficulty getting the train moving this season, all systems are ‘go and nobody is thinking about anything other than winning this season. Riley said it this way, “The 2013 Raider Baseball team has gotten off to a rough start. We are currently 0-3 after losing to Ohio County, Breck County and Owensboro Catholic. All 3 are good baseball teams. I feel like we are pressing too much and not enjoying playing the game of baseball right now. First and foremost, I want these guys to have fun playing baseball. My expectations will not change for this team after 3 games. That is the reason we play 30+ games in a season. We will respond and turn things around. You will see the Raiders come to play day in and day out. No quit with this team!”
I like that in a team, and I hope this Raider team turns it around and pillages a team near you in days to come. Max, Dalton, and company believe what their coach believes, and that will certainly be the difference in how they play the game. Plunder on, Raiders!
