Joplin High School Baseball Turning the Tables in 2024
JOPLIN, MO – With just a 9-20 record last year, Joplin High School baseball is looking to completely turn the tables in 2024.
At 5-2, head coach Kyle Wolf’s group has looked far stronger on offense in winning multiple games by 10 or more runs.
“You can tell the guys just enjoy being around each other a lot more,” said senior infielder Caden Shoemaker.
“We’ve gotten better at picking each other up, it’s a complete turnaround.”
Senior catcher Garrett Howard discussed the team’s production on offense, and the group learning from their mistakes.
“We have guys batting pretty high in terms of average,” said Howard.
“Our defense has been pretty solid to this point too. We’ve had a couple of mishaps here and there, but that’s just going to happen. We’ll learn from our mistakes and improve down the stretch.”
Howard and Shoemaker will bring experience to the Eagles group. With an upper classmen heavy team, Joplin returns 15 juniors and seniors combined.
The Eagles are lead by the power of junior Brock Waghorn, and the contact of senior Cole Lawrence. Lawrence, an Allen Community College commit, brings speed and versatility to the Joplin lineup, while Waghorn brings his strength.
Sophomore’s Brecken Green and Daniel Rose are two of a few young stars on Joplin’s squad. Green struck out 12 against McDonald County earlier in the year, and Rose’s performance at the plate has earned him the leadoff spot.
Head coach Kyle Wolf credited the team for changing the culture.
“A culture is created by the players. When the players hold each other accountable, and I don’t have to step in, it’s always a much better situation. I give them a lot of credit, they’ve done a great job this year.”
The Eagles are participating in the Tiger/Zebra Classic in Oklahoma. The series will mark four out of the seven out of state opponents Joplin plays this season.
