With the same head coach for a third-consecutive season for only the second time in its history, the Grand River Entertainment-operated Chillicothe Mudcats college-level, wood-bat baseball team is well into its plans for its 21st year of summer competition in the MINK League. Although returning head coach Tyler Hudlow could not be on hand in person, general manager Caitlyn Cothern (in photo) and other team officials shared the early outlook for the 2023 season with those attending the Feb. 22 “First-Pitch Party” at the Comfort Inn in Chillicothe. The 2023 season opener will be at Carroll, Iowa, Tuesday, May 30; the home opener will be a 5:05 p.m. doubleheader against the Jefferson City Renegades on Friday, June 2. The Fish also will play their traditional “home” game at Trenton’s Burleigh Grimes Field in Trenton on June 21 with 3-times defending league champion St. Joseph the opponent. Fans and supporters in attendance were told multiple players from last summer’s 17-25 club that missed the league playoffs are expected to return, including area residents Conner Fletcher of Meadville (State Fair CC) and Nathan Cupp of Marceline (Moberly Area CC). The Mudcats organization continues to seek potential host residences for players for the 2023 season (residence need not necessarily be in Chillicothe). Anyone who might be willing to host (bed and one meal a day) for one or more players is asked to contact Lora Crouch at 660-247-5440. (BUTCH SHAFFER/LCL PHOTO)
