111/Jol/Jgup tile season 'It was a hard year, and having to say good-bye to coach made it even harder,'said Martin With the players we have returning and the newcomers we have helping out we should be competitive," said Coach Dick Johnson at the opening of the season. However, the year seemed frustrating said many of the players as Johnson planned to retire and a number of close losses filled the season. At the start the team managed to win only three of 11 games. Throughout the season Marty Spears, the only senior and cocaptain, compiled a 5-3 record with an earned run average of 4.09. Also in the co-captain's posi - tion were Dennis Mitchell and Perry Parr, both juniors. Mitchell, the fastest runner of the team, "is a solid all-round player" said Johnson. Johnson also commented on catcher Tom Hull, "he is a sound, knowledgeable handler of pitchers." Dropping five conference places due to one run losses, the team posted a third place finish that sent them to the district 17 playoffs. In this the fourth consecutive year at the playoffs the team drew second-ranked Southern Arkansas 12 Playing for keeps University. The game was 8-7 SAU down, yet in the. bottom of the ninth inning SAU scored two runs defeating the team. The next game brought their season to an end as Arkansas Tech managed a 5-3 win. In February of his 20th season coach Johnson decided this would be his last season with the team. Johnson retired at the end of the season and was honored with the retirement of his uniform and number, 20. His decision was a major factor on the team's morale as "his wisdom and familiarity would be greatly missed" said freshman Mike Martin. "He's an 'old pro'" Martin said of his coach. Johnson was also honored with the privilege of coaching the north team in the AIC all-star game held at Little Rock. Steve Smith was selected to replace Johnson as the schools head Baseball coach. "I am delighted that Steve agreed to take over the program. I wanted to leave the team in good hands, and I know it will be under him,'' said Johnson. - Pat McGaha YOU'RE OUT! Catcher Tom Hull, junior, prevents another run. Hull also received an honorable mention on the All-AIC baseball team. -Photo by Leslie Downs.
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