Graduating from Smith-Cotton in May, Gavin Jones moves on from his high school baseball experience and prepares for the transition into college as a member of State Fair Community College baseball.
To do so, Gavin has found a spot on the Sedalia Bombers lineup, playing second base.
The position may take some getting used to for Jones, as collegiate baseball moves at a very different tempo compared to the high school level. But this challenge is exactly what he expected, and said it will help reach his goals in preparing for a higher level of play.
“Everything moves so much faster and it’s better competition, so I’m learning a lot at all times and it’s really good for me,” Gavin said.
After dislocating a finger June 5, Gavin has four hits in as many games since returning from a 10-day absence.
Head coach Craig McAndrews said the new speed of the game is a focal point of Jones’ experience with the Bombers. He also believes that learning this new tempo will set Jones one step ahead once he reaches the collegiate level this fall.
“The speed of the game has to get better for him, and it has,” McAndrews said. “It comes to him easier than some. Playing for us is going to help him further in his career, and that’s why he did it. We had talked last year and he asked why (he) should play. I said, ‘Even if you get 50 at-bats or 100 at-bats, the ground ball, the pop-fly from a college hitter is way different from any other level and you can’t emulate that in any practice.’”
Deanna Jones, Gavin’s mother, expressed confidence in his ability to take his game to the next level.
“His work ethic has always been very good — he goes above and beyond what is asked of him,” Deanna said. “He watches videos, hits, and even has a notebook he writes in, all to improve his game. He needs to do it because that’s going to get him where he wants to go, but I don’t think every kid does that at his age.”
Another big factor in Gavin’s summer learning experience are his fellow Bombers.
Gavin — the youngest on the roster — can learn much from his teammates as he fills the role of the little brother. As McAndrews puts it: “The little brother is always the best, because he grows up around his big brothers that are good, and he learns and improves upon them.”
Among one of these players is first baseman Andrew Warner, who led the Cougars with 17 home runs in his junior season at Columbia College.
“You can learn stuff from that guy,” McAndrews said. “And being able to be among guys like that and learn from them is even better.”
Current State Fair Baseball head coach and former Sedalia Bombers coach and general manager Jud Kindle is hopeful for Gavin’s ability after this summer, and is excited to have a player he knows will be up-to-speed as a college freshman. Kindle has already worked with Gavin as head coach of Smith-Cotton.
Reassurance incites confidence for Gavin, when backed by the support of his coaches and family. He credited the support of family, friends and past coaches who introduced a lifelong appreciation and love for the game.
BOMBERS RETURN FROM ROAD TRIP
Sedalia (8-8) broke even during a six-game road trip June 15-21, before returning home Thursday to host the Chillicothe Mudcats in a game that began at 7 p.m.
Ozark swept the Bombers on Wednesday by one run each. The Mudcats edged Sedalia, 4-3, Tuesday to begin a three-game losing streak.
The Bombers won three straight to begin its excursion, beating the Joplin Outlaws, Jefferson City Renegades and the Nevada Griffons after a daylong delay.
