Lake City – As a first year head baseball coach at Carolina Academy, Lindsey Robinson says he learned a lot about the ins and outs of running a program and trying to put a competitive product on the field.
That was 2023. Robinson begins his second season at the helm this spring and says not only has he learned a lot about coaching, but his team seems to have learned a lot about how he wants them to play the game.
The Bobcats opened the 2024 season with three wins in a preseason tournament hosted by Lake City High. Carolina Academy posted wins over three public schools, Hannah-Pamplico (6-0), Marion (10-4) and Lamar (15-3). A good start to what Robinson hopes can be a great season as a Class AAA SCISA team.
“I think this team has unlimited potential and has a chance to be very competitive,” Robinson said. “It’s a real scrappy bunch. We may not look like much on paper but this team is going to battle every opponent on every pitch. We’re not perfect and we have plenty to clean up, but if we can continue to work on improving every day, we have a chance. I believe this team understands what it’s going to take for us to win.”
What it will take for the Bobcats to win is throw strikes, make plays defensively, and execute sharply at the plate and on the base paths.
“We’re not going to be a team that hits two or three homers every game,” Robinson said. “We have to focus on doing the little things. We have to move runners, run the bases aggressively, get the timely hits. We have some speed so executing things like a hit-and-run or bunts is going to be very important to us having a chance to win.”
Leading the 2024 team is senior Walker Joyner, a returner from last season and the Bobcats’ ace on the mound. Joyner is about 6-4 tall and can play either corner infield position, as well as catcher. He led the team in hitting last spring. Joyner allowed one hit and struck out eight in five innings against Hannah-Pamplico in the season opener.
“He’s my guy,” Robinson said. “He’s our leader and as he goes, we go. He sets the bar high for the other players.”
Sophomore Hayden Timmons, a transfer from Lamar, looks to be the No. 2 starter while junior David Driggers is expected to be the third starter and will catch some. Robinson says sophomore Walker McCutcheon, one of the top three-sport athletes in the school, also will see time behind the dish as well as third base.
Senior Dyson Lamb is a returning starter from last season and works at shortstop, while promising freshman Hampton Kirby in penciled in at second base.
Senior Hunter Irwin is a returning starter in left field and senior Cole Bailey is working in right and hitting in the leadoff spot. Senior Tyler Smart commands the outfield defense in center.
“I am proud of the guys for the way they have prepared and started the season with some success,” Robinson said. “Our approach at the plate has been good and for the most part we have thrown strikes. Long way to go though. We’re not talented enough at every position to just walk out there and expect to win. We have to go play and play hard for every inning.
“I am finally starting to see things click and I am proud of the guys. They are starting to understand the process on a day-to-day basis.”
Other seniors on the roster include Micah Springs and Ashton Rambo.
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