The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

March 21, 2009

With Tabor at wheel, Raiders ready to forget about last year

By Gary Fauber

A three-win season did nothing to discourage Liberty’s baseball team.

Actually, it made the Raiders even hungrier.

Most of that team is back, but the coach is new. J.J. Tabor is now at the controls, back in baseball after a year’s sabbatical. The former American Legion coach now has his first high school head coaching job.

“I didn’t know how much I missed it until I got down there with the kids,” Tabor said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to be around. They love to play. It’s a pleasure coaching these guys.”

The Raiders won back-to-back sectional titles before last season’s struggles. They want to get back to winning championships.

“And go on to the next level, too,” Tabor said. “With all the success the other Raleigh County teams have had, they want to join the party. They want to go to the state tournament. The other three (Woodrow Wilson, Shady Spring and Independence) have all been there the past few years.”

Liberty is mostly a young team, as it was last year. Gone are Nic Hudnall, Heath Sevy, Austin Wright and Justin Breton.

“We don’t have a guy back who hit over .300 last year,” Tabor said.

Senior Jeff Wills is back at second base. He drove in six runs in Liberty’s season-opening 17-12 win over Van Friday.

Also back is junior catcher Zac Acord, the team’s top returning hitter at .295, and first baseman Jacob Shea (.259, three homers).

At third base is Wes Moore, and freshman Brandon Toler is the shortstop.

“I expect big things out of him,” Tabor said. “He throws right and bats left and has a beautiful swing. Once he gets some games under his belt, I think he will take off.”

Russell Bailey, Michael Muovich, Jeremy Holder and Luke Hodge all will see time in the outfield.

“All four are really good athletes who can run,” Tabor said. “I don’t expect a lot of balls to fall in out there.”

Among the pitchers will be sophomore Dylan Clay, Shea and Wills.

Jerry Toney will see action in various spots this season.

“He swings the bat really well, so we’ve got to get him in the lineup somewhere,” Tabor said. “He’ll play some first base when Shea pitches, some outfield when those guys pitch. He might even DH some.”

Most of the players are familiar with Tabor, an assistant football coach at Liberty.

“And there are a couple who are just baseball players that I would not have known if I wasn’t coaching baseball,” he said. “That has been a pleasure, too. Getting to meet new guys.”

The Raiders host James Monroe at 5 p.m. Monday.

— E-mail:

gfauber@register-herald.com

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