The high school baseball and softball seasons have been underway for a week now and the Clinton Maroons boy's baseball team opens its spring 2022 campaign this week.

Coach John Hickman says there are several variables to opting to begin the season a week later than most teams. He points to the weather not allowing most team time outside for the first few weeks of practice but they also want a chance to get pitchers' arms in shape.

For Coach Hickman, the early season practices are aimed to get kids back into baseball shape and a baseball routine. With several multisport athletes and kids doing other things, he recognizes some may not have been able to focus on baseball when practices start back up.

This year's Maroons squad is going to be very senior-heavy. Coach Hickman indicates they have nine returning seniors and a new senior coming out for ten seniors on the roster. With so much returning talent from last year's team, Coach Hickman is already seeing the benefits of that experience.

Coach Hickman is optimistic heading into the season. He says pitching and defense will be keys for them and is hoping for some improvement offensively for his team. 

The Maroons are scheduled to host Mahomet-Seymour tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon before road games at Olympia Thursday, at Ridgeview for a Saturday doubleheader, and then opening conference action at Tuscola next Tuesday.