Mustangs forced to cancel legion baseball season home opener Saturday

The Lovell Mustangs were set to start their legion baseball season off with a doubleheader in Cowley this Saturday against the Green River Knights, but the Knights had to cancel their trip as of Wednesday afternoon.

The Mustangs began practicing several weeks ago, and with the warmer April weather they have been able to benefit from the additional time on the field.

Head coach Michael Jameson feels optimistic about the upcoming season and has high hopes for success.

“I am excited about the core group of guys we are bringing back and the addition of several players who saw a lot of playing time at the C level last year,” Jameson said.

The program currently has 28 players out and will compete at mostly the A and C levels throughout the season with a few B games mixed into the schedule.

The Mustangs A team will bring back several key players including Carlos Rodriguez, Tucker Jackson, Alex Hedges, Lafe Files and Jacob Bischoff, all of whom have experience on the mound.

Rodriguez and Jackson are coming off of first team all-state performances last year with Files and Hedges earning second team honors.

Other players include Cash Wassmer and Rocco Rael moving up from the C squad; Cove Jolley and Jack Pharoah returning; and Blake Wilson, Kyle Wilson and Matthew Newman coming back out for the sport.

“I am looking forward to having the depth on the mound we will have this season,” Jameson said. “We have a lot of guys who have thrown a lot of innings and have athletic kids who are versatile and can play multiple positions.”

Jameson anticipates having a better starting point this season with his veteran squad.

Assisting Jameson with coaching responsibilities at the A and C levels are Brandon Mangus, Nick Wilson, Greg Real, Les Files, Johnathon Morgan and Stan Hedges. 

This year, the Mustangs have 10 newcomers to the program for the C level.

“We are excited to be gaining such a solid group, and we’re impressed with what they have shown so far at practice and look forward to seeing their growth,” Jameson added.

Although the games were cancelled on Saturday, the Mustangs will still be having a pulled pork nacho dinner fundraiser from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Lovell Fire Hall along with silent auction items.

“We are ready to get rolling and, as always, we appreciate the support at the games and in our fundraising efforts,” Jameson said.