It seems like every year, the baseball season begins earlier and earlier, and GHC’s Head Baseball Coach Dash O’Neill couldn’t be happier.

“Opening Day is like Christmas morning to me, so finally getting a chance to see our Chargers hit the field in a real game will be a lot of fun,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill said, “My expectations are very high, so 2019 will be no different.

“I expect us to build on what we’ve done the past two seasons and be very competitive on the field. More importantly, I expect us to graduate and advance several talented young men to the next level.”

There are some big shoes to fill on the roster as all nine sophomore players moved on to play for four-year institutions, including five players that signed NCAA Division I scholarships.

Also, the first ever GHC Charger, pitcher Noah Bryant, to be drafted by an MLB team was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB draft.

The Chargers return five pitchers from last year, and first team All-GCAA catcher Parker Orr, who is expected to be the primary catcher throughout the season.

All four infielders from 2018 will be returning for this season: third baseman Skyler McPhee, shortstop Austin Foster, second baseman Willis Kemp and first baseman Bryson Horne.

The outfield will be full of new players, and there will be a five-man to six-man rotation for players out in right, center and left field.

O’Neill stated, “I really like our young arms and their ability to throw strikes. I think we will be able to score runs as long as everyone does their job.

“The players are chomping at the bit to get started. They have been working hard toward this season since August, so for them it is the culmination of so many months of hard work and preparation.”

The next home game for GHC will be at 3 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Perfect Game Park South at the Lakepoint Sporting Community in Emerson, Georgia. The Chargers will face Chattanooga Community College.