Cards To Host Regional Baseball Tournament

FARMINGTON — The winning bid was turned in by Farmington and the Cardinals will host the Regional baseball tournament on their new field May 3-6.

“We’re excited about it,” said Jay Harper, Farmington head baseball coach, noting the school couldn’t host a tourney with the old field because it was too shallow.

“We just outgrew it. Having our new field and our indoor facility is giving our kids a great opportunity to win,” Harper said.

“Coach [Brad] Blew had a lot to do with this. It started out with our indoor facility.”

Harper credited former Farmington superintendent Ron Wright with getting the project under way and current superintendent, Bryan Law, with seeing it through to completion.

“They gave us a great opportunity to build a new baseball field,” Harper said. “For the most part its ready to go, we’ve still got some bleacher work to do.”

Five seniors graduated but Harper said he has five good guys coming back and 42 kids came out including 19 freshmen. The roster was trimmed to 26.

Levi Strope, the No. 1 pitcher from last season, is back, along with sophomore, Keaton Austin, and Brandon Pittman, who Harper said will help the Cardinals with pitching depth.

“We’re excited about our pitching staff,” Harper said.

Harper, who also serves as defensive coordinator for Cardinal football, said his goal has been to bring the baseball program to the level of Farmington football, which consistently fields a competitive team.

“We want those younger kids to step up and take the place of seniors,” Harper said. “I think we’ve got people in positions to do that.”

Harper sees a pair of transfer students bolstering the program. Nathan Mills is a senior transfer from California, whom Harper thinks can help the Cardinals in a number of places.

“He’s a good infielder and outfielder,” Harper said.

Chase Norwood is a junior transfer from Rogers and will play the infield.

Harper sees no dropoff in the 4A- 1 Conference, which he notes has been represented in either the state championship or semifinal for 6-7 years.

“This league’s tough even losing Shiloh,” Harper said.

“Mitch Cameron does a great job over at Prairie Grove. He’s got most of his people back. They’re going to be tough just like they always are.”

“Lincoln is coming into the league. Brad Harris does a good job over there.”

Harper said Berryville and Gravette are improving while Gentry was tough last season and he mentioned Ozark and Pea Ridge as contenders.

“I think we’re up there,” Harper said.

“We always consider the state championship has gone through our league,” Harper said.

“Playing in our league is a good way to determine who is going to do well in the state tournament.”