The Mustangs return with plenty of experience, ready to compete in the MINK League | Sports

(St. Joseph) — The St. Joseph Mustangs have become a frequent player atop the MINK League standings in recent years.

Manager Johnny Coy hopes that doesn’t change as he returns with a solid core this season.

“Our guys are excited,” Coy said. “And I know the community is excited. We had a good season last year, but we fell one game short of winning another championship. Our guys are hungry for another opportunity.”

The Mustangs fell to the Jefferson City Renegades in the MINK League final last year, ending their bid for a fourth straight league crown.

“We’ve had some great kids come in who love playing baseball,” Coy said. “Some of these guys have been here three or four years. They love playing in what I think we have the best fans in all of Summer Wood-Bat League Baseball.”

The Mustangs return 10+ contributors from last year.

“It’s great,” he said. “A lot of teams don’t have that luxury. A lot of these kids grew up playing together. They talk throughout the season and have a great relationship. A lot of guys have said they’re looking forward to their summer more than this spring, the team chemistry gets better every summer.”

Mason Holton (West Carolina), Carson Schrack (Arkansas), Truman Bodenhausen (North Central), Trevor McCollum (Washburn), Noah Bodenhausen (Northwest Missouri State) and Jordan Black (Wichita State) make part of the Mustangs’ position players this year.

“We have a lot of speed,” Coy said. “There are some new guys who are high-level baseball players. It’s going to be the same type of baseball we’ve had. I can’t wait to get these guys together and get on the field. We’re going to try to push back the limits and put pressure on the other team.

The Mustangs also have a deep pitching staff. That staff includes Lewis Central alumnus Arron Harrington (Missouri Southern).

“We have about 15 or 16 guys that could start,” Coy said. “It’s really easy for us to recruit pitchers. I usually have to turn guys away because it’s fun to pitch in front of three to five thousand people at home.”

The goal is for the Mustangs to compete for another MINK League title.

“I want our guys to have fun and be themselves,” Coy said. “We will show up, respect the game and play hard. Everything else will work itself out. We are still near the top of the league and competing for a championship. I expect us to do the same.”

The Mustangs open their season Wednesday against the Baldwin City Blues. Click below to hear Coy’s full interview.