Sports

to PRO High heat, drop kicks, random observations and points that amuse are all part of the wide, wide world of sports at the community and national levels. It’s unfortunate that Excelsior Springs and Richmond don’t play each other in varsity 11-man football anymore.

 

With the all-star break approaching for Major League Baseball (MLB), I feel inspired to share some reflections about baseball. But not about MLB.

Rather, I feel inspired to reflect on Excelsior Springs High School baseball.

In the five weeks or so since I covered my last Excelsior Springs ballgame, my appreciation of the season I witnessed has grown. Following the Tigers on their journey to finishing third in the Class 4 state tournament is among the most amazing rides I’ve taken during my many years in sports journalism. Here were a few of the thrills:

The college signings of members of the Excelsior Springs High School baseball class of 2023 continue. Recently, Broc Dusek signed a letter of intent to play for Central Methodist University, a Fayette-based NAIA school that plays in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Another crop of young baseball players could be joining the Excelsior Springs High School program in a few years. The potential Tigers play for the 12-andunder Crushers.

Many high school, college and pro sports coaches would probably agree that the foundation for sports at those levels of competition is created in youth athletics. The Arsenals, an 11-and-under baseball team consisting primarily of Excelsior Springs kids, is working to prepare athletes for those levels.

Mason Danner has chosen to continue his education – and his baseball career. Danner, who graduated this spring from Excelsior Springs High School, has committed to study at and play for Park University, a Parkville-based NAIA school.

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Jacob Bright is chalking up the honors on playing fields and in the classroom. Bright plays football and baseball at Excelsior Springs High School, where he carries a 3.975 grade point average.

The Tigers are sending off one of their top varsity baseball players to continue his career in college. Lucas Dillman, who graduated this spring from Excelsior Springs, has signed to play baseball at Crowder College, a Neosho-based junior college that competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association South Central District.