Emerald Baseball Returns Numerous Key Players For the 2026 Season
Emerald baseball team begins year five under the direction of athletic director Mack Hite.
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Greenwood-The Emerald baseball team begins year five under the direction of athletic director Mack Hite, a former talented football and baseball player at his alma mater Abbeville.
The Emerald baseball program is tuning up for the 2026 season by hosting the Emerald City Classic between February 27 and March 7.
Pool “A” of the event is comprised of BHP, Clinton, Ninety-Six and the Vikings. Pool “B” consists of Laurens, Mid-Carolina, Greenville, and North Augusta.
As the HSSR was preparing to go to press Emerald was 1-1 in the event. They beat Ninety-Six, and then lost to BHP, to stand at 1-1 before their game against Clinton.
The Vikings return a core group of four players from last season led by ace junior pitcher Finn Howard who won six games on the mound last year. “He’s our top arm, and he throws three pitches for strikes, and the team usually plays well behind him,” said Coach Hite. “His fast ball moves in the mid-80’s and he can also play shortstop or third when he is not pitching. He’s a very versatile player.”
Last season, in 53 and 2/3 innings pitched, Howard had 67 K’s and he only gave up 8 walks all season. He also batted around .250 with 9 RBI’s.
The team also returns talented catcher Eli Swancey who led the team in hitting last season at .394 including four doubles and a triple. “Eli is very versatile and he can play just about anywhere on the field,” said Coach Hite. “He has a pop time in the 2.1 range. He is also a right- handed pitcher.”
Sophomore shortstop Beau Hite also returns from an outstanding freshman season where he batted .309 with 10 RBI’s. Hite was coming off surgery a year ago and did not pitch until late in the season, but he will factor mainly as a reliever this season.
“Beau has a good glove, and good range at shortstop and he led the team last year with 14 stolen bases, so he is fast on the bases,” said Coach Hite. “We are expecting a break-out season for him.”
The fourth returner from last season is junior pitcher/center fielder Coleson Marino who was the team’s number two pitcher last season with 29 K’s in 34 innings of work. At the plate, Marino batted .306 with two home runs and 13 RBI’s.
“Coleson has a good bat and hit a home run against Ninety-Six in the tournament,” said Coach Hite. “Finn, Eli, Beau, and Coleson give us a solid group hitting in the front of our line-up and our challenge is to build some good bats at the back of our line-up to compliment them.:
Some other starters include senior Matthew Ritter who will be starting for the first time in the outfield. Luke Mathis is an 8th grader starting at second base. Colton Knight is the designated hitter for Mathis.
Sophomore Ethan Metts is the team’s number three pitcher, and he starts at either third base or left field most of the time. Thomas Hodges is a first- year newcomer starter mainly at first base and he is also a pitcher. Holden Styron is an 8th grader starting in right field and he has good promise and potential as a pitcher also.
Junior outfielder Bradley Cobb and outfielder Jacobe Cade serve as the team’s pinch runners. Henry McMillian is an 8th grade reserve pitcher/outfielder along with 8th grade reserve catcher/outfielder Rylan Johnson.
The team was supposed to start the regular season with a three-game series against Southside on March 9. However, they decided to not field a team due to lack of numbers. Emerald will now have a week to get ready to play region foe Wren starting on March 6.
“We have what we think is the most competitive region in 4-A across the state,” said Coach Hite. “Fountian Inn, Laurens, and Wren have just about everyone back and Westside is a good team also. We play in the SEC of 4-A baseball.”
Coach Hite feels like his team has solid pitching, solid hitting in the front of the line-up and solid defense. “We can step up this season if we can develop hitting throughout our line-up, and if we can get a pitcher, or two to match the standards that Finn sets for us when he is on the mound,” said Coach Hite. “When you play a three-game series in the region each week you have to have pitching depth to have success. We are looking forward to the season.”
Coach Hite is assisted by Payton Smith, former USC player Arik Hempy, and Ryan Flores.
