In the world of school athletics, success isn't always measured by wins and losses. For the Meridian Junior High Baseball team, this past fall season represented something equally valuable—a foundation for future achievement.

With a roster of 17 players spanning from fourth to eighth grade, the team embodied the true meaning of "rebuilding year." The squad featured just three eighth-graders and two sixth-graders, with the majority being fourth and fifth-grade students experiencing organized baseball for the first time.

"It was very much a rebuilding year," explains Coach Collin Brown, who guided the young team alongside his assistant. "We finished with five fifth-graders and seven fourth-graders, many playing their first season of baseball."

This youth movement created both challenges and opportunities. The significant age and experience gap between team members required coaches to balance different developmental needs simultaneously. The eighth-graders brought valuable game knowledge, while the youngest players were just beginning to grasp team structure and fundamental skills.

"It's hard having fourth-graders with older kids because the fourth-graders don't really know structure outside of school," Coach Brown notes. "The eighth-graders have played sports before—they know how it goes. The fourth-graders are in their first year, so it was harder to keep everyone focused."

Remarkably, only one player on the entire roster had previous experience with the school's baseball program. This limited institutional knowledge made the season a true learning experience for nearly everyone involved.

Eighth-grade center fielder Xavier Waddy reflected on what he gained from the season. "I learned that we can be a better team if all of us practice together and get our chemistry right," he shared, highlighting the importance of teamwork despite the challenges.

Kylan Wiggins, another eighth-grader who played right field, emphasized the need for continued practice. When asked what he learned this season, his answer was straightforward: "Keep practicing."

Despite finishing without a victory, the team showed notable improvement throughout their 12-game schedule. By season's end, they were competing closely with established programs, nearly defeating regional powerhouse Jonesboro on their home field.

"We kept a lot of games close toward the end of the season," Coach Brown says with pride. "We almost beat Jonesboro at Jonesboro, and they were one of the better teams in our region."

DeShon Bailey, who played second base, was among the team's standout performers in that particular game, contributing "three hits and three or four RBIs," according to Coach Brown.

The coaches see tremendous potential in their young squad. With more development time and appropriate resources, these players could form the nucleus of competitive teams in coming years.

"There are a lot of hardworking kids with a lot of potential," Coach Brown emphasizes. "We just need a little more love and care for our baseball program."

That care includes addressing equipment needs. The team made do with minimal resources this season, including sharing a single team bat that required multiple repairs. The batting cage facilities need significant attention, with holes throughout the netting creating safety concerns.

Field conditions present another obstacle, with drainage issues causing unnecessary game cancellations. While other schools in the region have quick-drying fields that can be ready within an hour after rain, Meridian's field remains muddy and unplayable longer, limiting home game opportunities.

Looking ahead, practices for next season are tentatively scheduled to begin in late July or early August. The team expects to retain most players, providing valuable continuity for a program focused on long-term growth.

"It truly is a great group of kids," Coach Brown reflects. "We didn't win any games, but I had a blast. This is my second year with the junior high baseball program, and I'm excited about what's coming."

With continued development and community support, the foundation being built today promises brighter seasons ahead for Meridian Junior High Baseball.