By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Summer in St. Joseph means one thing for certain - the Mustangs are back at Phil Welch Stadium.
The eight-time MINK League Champions start up their 15th season this week.
The Mustangs went 33-18 last year, getting all the way to the final game of the championship series, but they lost to Jefferson City 4-0 in the deciding game to end the season, denying the Mustangs what would have been four consecutive titles.
Johnny Coy, entering his sixth year as the Mustangs’ head coach, says that season-ending loss has resonated with the team, especially with the 13 guys returning from last season.
"Just the fact we weren't able to (win a title) last year lit a fire in a lot of these guys," Coy said. "The guys who haven't been here at all know nothing about it, but they're starting to learn already that's what's expected of them and that's what we're going to shoot for."
The start of the 2024 season is somewhat bitter sweet, as the Mustangs mourn the loss of the team’s founder and former owner Dan Gerson. Gerson died this past September at the age of 68 at his home in Chicago.
Ownership of the team transferred to team president Ky Turner following the 2021 season. As he gets ready for the first season without Dan, Turner says much is planned to honor the man who made summers at Phil Welch possible.
"We want to make sure we reach that standard that Dan helped us set," Turner said. "This year, we're always going to continue to honor Dan and his legacy and the impact he had on the things we do. Dan was a fun guy, so we want to have fun with it."
"Dan also hated the spotlight, so he's pry going to hate some of the things we're going to do this season."
The Mustangs will play 26 home games in all this summer. A lot of the usual traditions are back. Bark in the Park, $1.50 beer night on Friday, the St. Joseph Tenderloins, Fireworks on Saturdays and so on
But, Turner says this year especially will feature a lot of new family fun at the park.
"There's a lot," he said. "Sometimes, I just have to sit down and remind myself of what's happening. Aesthetically, we have some really nice things here that's going to make the stadium experience a little bit better. This is going to be a fun year."
New at the stadium right now is new netting along the first and third base lines.
As for the team itself, the Mustangs are primed to win another MINK League title. The team features six players from Division I universities, nine from MIAA member schools and 12 players from St. Joseph and the immediate surrounding area.
Back for his fourth season is Fort Hays State pitcher and Benton graduate Tanner Schmidt, whose little brother Carson will be on the team for the first time this summer. Schmidt says it’s the friendships and the bonds he’s made over the years that’s kept him coming back each of the last few years.
"Not only the players, but (coach) Johnny (Coy)," Schmidt said. "Lifelong friend, you know. I know I can go to him in any amount of time, five years, 10 years. If I need something, he'll try to help me get whatever I need. It's the bonds you build. The friends you make."
Back for a second season is pitcher, infielder and Lafayette alum Jayden Little. Little says the opportunity to play in front of thousands at Phil Welch Stadium makes the experience that much better.
"I mean, it's a feeling a lot of these guys don't get to feel all year," Little said. "Playing in front of 4-5,000 people a night here. No matter where you go to all of the different colleges we come from, you just don't get that. Getting in here, playing in front of all of these people, it kind of gives you an edge. Makes you want to play that much harder. Kind of show what you got and show off."
First-year Mustang Bronco Whitt, a pitcher and East Buchanan graduate, says he's excited to get to work with this bunch.
"Yeah, a lot of excitement, you know," Whitt said. "Everyone always wants to play for the Mustangs. The fans are great. The town is great. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm ready for it."
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