The Troup High Tiger baseball program looks to have another successful season in 2010.  A new decade brings new challenges and new goals for a program that is raising eyebrows and pushing to become a traditional powerhouse on the diamond.  After six consecutive trips to the playoffs, the Tigers are looking to advance a few steps forward in search of its first state championship in school history. 

The most daunting task for the Tigers seems to be replacing Luke Bailey.  Bailey, drafted in the fourth round as the No. 139 pick overall in the 2009 MLB Draft, was the Tiger’s backstop for the past four seasons.  His defensive dominance was matched closely with his success at the plate.  After leading the Tigers in numerous offensive statistical categories, Bailey’s presence will surely be missed.

However, the Tigers lost more than Bailey.  The Tigers also lost the likes of Blake Barber (SS/P), Brian Alder (P), and Cody Hunt (OF). Barber and Alder are both celebrating their successes on the college diamond for the 2010 season.  Barber, the Tiger’s shortstop and a quality reliever, will also be a tough replacement for the 2010 season. In addition, Alder will be missed as he provided the Tigers with numerous successes on the mound.  No doubt the 2009 seniors will surely be missed.  However, they have laid a foundation of teamwork, hard work, hustle, and attitude that will surely live on in years to come.

With only three returning seniors, the youthful Tigers will seek to replace what was lost with fresh hopes of a triumphant season. Replacements will not be the only tough task for this year’s ballclub.  The Tigers are faced with the challenge of one of the toughest schedules for any team in any classification.  Among these opponents are perennial powerhouses Cartersville, Northgate, East Coweta, Auburn (AL) and Russell County (AL).  These opponents, in addition to a tough region schedule with Northside (Columbus) and Columbus, make for a hard road for this year’s team.  However, the Tigers are readily preparing for the upcoming season and looking forward to matching up with any of state’s best programs.

The Troup baseball program is looking to not only prepare for the upcoming season, but also to prepare young men to be healthy citizens who seek to help others.  For this reason, players have been involved in numerous community projects. In addition to offering services and mentoring young students at both Unity and Rosemont Elementary schools, the Tigers are a yearly participant in the Judy McMillian Coat Closet.  In the latest of their projects, the 2010 Keep Troup Beautiful campaign, players helped by recycling trees and old electronics shortly after bringing in the New Year.

Thanks are due to parents and fans that make up the Troup Baseball Dugout Club.  This “booster” club allows the Tigers to run a fully self-sufficient program.  This group organizes fund raisers, handles concessions and oversees renovations to Tiger Field.  Tiger Field is located directly behind Troup High School and currently holds the honor of 2010 AAA Field of the Year.

With the season coming on fast, the Tigers are looking to build from the tradition they have established over the past decade.  The answer will be supplied soon enough as the Tigers head to Newnan High School on February 23 for the first game of the season before returning to Tiger Field on February 27  to take on Kennesaw Mountain.  For directions and more information about Tiger Baseball, past and present, check Troup out on the internet at www.eteamz.com/TroupBaseball/.  GO TIGERS!