9-win season under new coach came with focus on mentality

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

In his first season as head baseball coach at Cassville, Simon Beeson said his squad put more emphasis on culture and mentality than wins and losses, an approach he hopes will build the program in future seasons.

At 9-12-1, Beeson said he’d give this season a C+ or B- grade, recognizing the team’s record was not the top priority this season.

“We went into the season with a big focus on instilling the right type of culture and mentality,” he said. “We weren’t too focused on wins and losses. We were seeking development day-in and day-out. I think we took some good strides towards these goals, but we still have room for improvement moving forward.”

The Wildcats’ wins were spread out this season, except for a three-game swing over Reeds Spring, 1-0; McDonald County, 13-0; and Blue Eye, 11-4, to wrap up the regular season. The campaign ended with a 9-2 loss to East Newton in the Class 4, District 11 Tournament.

Through the 22 contests, Beeson said Cassville saw marked improvement, especially at the plate.

“Early on in the season, guys were really pull happy, not seeing the ball well and swinging at bad pitches,” he said. “As the season progressed, we saw them buy into the approach that we were preaching to, and slowly but surely, averages improved.”

Beeson said defense was a struggle at times, especially in key moments of games.

“A lot of that comes from youth and not being used to being in big moments,” he said. “The MaDonald County game was one of the few games all year where our offense seemed to click throughout the entire order, 1-9. To see that happening toward the end of the season as we moved into districts was really positive and uplifting.

“I think that was the only game where we run-ruled another team all season, and it really helped to build momentum.”

Five seniors departed the squad this season in Evan Butler, Simon Gates, Bodee Rose, Austyn Meltabarger and Miller Reid, and Beeson said their contributions have been invaluable.

“[They meant] a lot,” he said. “We would not have been able to instill parts of the culture that we wanted to without their leadership and accountability.”

Three juniors and four sophomores will move up the ranks, and Beeson is excited for their development, as well as the incoming class of freshmen.

“Depth [will be a key for us next season],” he said. “We have a big incoming freshman class grouped with some sophomores and juniors that are going to challenge one another throughout practice and off season. We’ve got a bright future.”

Having met some goals and fallen short of others this season, Beeson said the Wildcats have measured success in a myriad of ways.

“Obviously, we wanted our record to reflect differently, but culture isn’t changed overnight, and we laid some really good groundwork to continue instilling the right type of culture in order to achieve the goals we’ve fallen short on,” he said. “I want to make sure my kids are prioritizing their schoolwork and are acting as young men with good character within the community. Outside of that, the goals will for the most part stay the same. To seek improvement day in and day out.

“It will be a question they hear very often — ‘What did you do to get better today?’” Beeson added he is appreciative of the team’s support in his first season, from parents and the community.

“We look forward to the continued support as we strive to better ourselves on and off the field every day, coaches included,” he said.