PANTHERS EARN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! (UPDATED 5/17/2012)

Seven MH seniors walked proudly off the field for the last time and they were carrying the coveted "Blue Map" that signifies a state championship with them. MH defeated south Alabama power, Leroy, 7-1 in the third game of the championship series at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery. The Bears forced Game 3 with a 6-3 win in Game 2 after Glenn Irby stopped Leroy 5-0 in the opener. Thomas Burrows was named the series MVP. His first inning home run in Game 1 forced the Bears to pitch around him time after time and the rest of the Panther line-up took advantage. Irby threw a five-hit shut-out in Game 1. With the series tied at a game apiece and pivotal Game 3 tied at 1-1 entering the bottom of the fifth, MH exploded for six runs and Burrows retired the last six Leroy batters in order. Austin Penter opened the decisive inning with a single and was safe at second when Irby's grounder was muffed. With two on and no outs, Leroy was forced to pitch to Burrows and his line-drive single put the Panthers ahead to stay. Max Wright ran for Burrows and he and Irby took second and third on a wild pitch. Will Harrison drew a walk and Alex Wright ran for Harrison. Colby Smith delivered a bases loaded single to put MH up 3-1 and J.T. Hudson's double made it 5-1. Collin White and Luke Krieger each brought home insurance runs as the Panthers took their fourth state title. The 43 wins in a season is a school record.

 

PANTHERS CAPTURE AREA TITLE; SET NEW RECORDS (UPDATED 5/18/2012)

The 2012 version of the Panther baseball team shattered numerous school records, winning 43 games and scoring 435 runs. The 361 RBIs also set a school record.

 

Thomas Burrows led the team in hitting with 9 HRs, 27 2Bs and 77 RBIs (.484 BA). Glenn Irby (.391 BA) added 1 HR, 15 2Bs, 2 3Bs and 38 RBIs, Will Harrison (.339) had 10 2Bs, 2 3Bs and 50 RBIs and Colby Smith (.357) had 3 HRs, 16 2Bs and 44 RBIs. Collin White hit .333 with 17 RBIs; Luke Krieger had 1 HR, 6 2Bs and 34 RBIs and J. T. Hudson batted .496 with 25 RBIs. Austin Penter (32) and J. T. (15) led the team in SBs and Austin hit .397 with 29 RBIs. Brandon Krieger (.318) produced 15 RBIs and Alex Wright added 13 more. The Panthers had 361 RBIs and hit .356 as a team.

 

Leading pitchers were Burrows (9-1, 0.88 ERA, 112 Ks in 63 innings, one perfect game; Irby (10-0, 1.24 ERA, 109 Ks in 73 innings), Hudson (5-1, 2.92 ERA, 27 Ks in 36 innings), Colby Smith (13-1, 2.00 ERA, 77 Ks in 73 innings) and Austin Penter (5-1, 1.65 ERA, 20 Ks in 34 innings). The team ERA was 2.46.

 

THANKS TO OUR PARENTS!

The extensive work on the school baseball field is being provided through the generous contributions of several parents. Our sincere appreciation is extended to them for their time and generosity. A new section of reserved stadium seating is now located immediately behind home plate with a new press box and concession stand. The field looks awesome!

 

 

PANTHERS ADD ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP RING

The Panthers celebrate another state championship. It was the second state title in three years for Coach Jay Mitchell and the Panthers!