Mississippi Valley State University head coach Stanley Stubbs has started fall ball this semester emphasizing discipline and hard work above anything else. The new-look Mississippi Valley State baseball program is one that consists of a handful of returnees from last year including pitcher Ethan Charles, Hunter Stallings, and Abraham Ortiz to name a few.
Coach Stubbs has also brought in a group of young, talented transfers in the form of Darian Chapman, Dreyland Holmes, and Maurey Weaver, who are looking to make an immediate impact in the infield. One other transfer is catcher Sieas Elliot, who has shown great leadership abilities both on and off the field. Vocal leaders such as Elliott are key aspects in building a strong, cohesive unit that can put Mississippi Valley State on the map.
The outfield is being patrolled by a couple of freshmen this year who are looking to make their name known throughout the Mississippi Delta.
These young men, Jose Salazar and Narvin Booker arrived on campus with a load of athletic ability that will surely create a buzz within the SWAC. At the plate, Coach Stubbs and his Delta Devils are going to be relying on speed in the 2022 spring season. The top of the lineup will look to get on base any way they can and utilize that speed to create havoc for opposing pitchers.
Hitting coach Jaylen Bledsoe has been hard at work developing a powerful middle part of the lineup that includes Chris Soeder and Keith Harden in order to increase run production.
The pitching staff, spearheaded by assistant coach Matt Ribera, is looking to solidify its identity this fall placing an emphasis on first-pitch strikes, controlling the running game, and pitchers fielding their positions.
The “New Valley State” pitching staff will look to create contact and lean on its defense this upcoming season. Junior College transfers, Calvin McClendon and Dylan Whitfield, will look to be run-stoppers within this new Devil staff.
Coach Stubbs and his staff are competing from the start this fall season with a contest against next level Academy out of Puerto Rico and Cross-town rival, Mississippi Delta Community College. The competition aspect is something Coach Stubbs plans to rely on this October and November, emphasizing a game-like atmosphere to help his young team play with a sense of urgency this spring.