By Sun Advocate
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| Garrett Schmitz steps up to bat during a state tournament game last month. |
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| Chris Hatch makes a brak for first base after a successful turn at bat. |
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| Jamal Lewis prepares for battle against Park City during the state tourney. |
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| Mike Smith competes in the Class 3A state tournament last month. |
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| Troy Grundy concentrates and prepares for competition against Dixie. |
After completing the Region 8 season with a 8-0 record, and an overall season record of 14-7, the Carbon High Dinos baseball team entered the state final tournament.
During the double elimination tournament, Carbon faced some tough competition and was eliminated from the finals during the third game by Dixie.
Despite the disappointing ending to a successful season, several of the Dino athletes captured a spot on the annual all-region team roster.
This year, Carbon junior Troy Grundy received the Region 8 MVP after capturing the majority of votes from the league coaches this year.
During his junior year, Grundy had a successful showing for the Dinos. Time and again, Grundy stood on the mound and pitched well. The faithful athlete had several strong games and struck out the region’s best hitters.
For the past several years, Grundy has made a name for himself amongst Utah’s baseball community. In fact, Grundy has also stepped outside of the state to receive attention from various college and major league scouts.
Last fall, Grundy participated in a camp conducted in Florida which allowed the young athlete to show his skills to major league scouts.
After the event, the big time athlete from small town Price returned to Carbon High where he had yet another successful season with the big blue team.
Next year, Grundy is expected to return as Carbon’s pitcher as he and the team look for a state title.
Also appearing on this year’s all-region roster was Jamal Lewis, Chris Hatch, Mike Smith and Garrett Schmitz. Each of these athletes were selected to the first team roster for their outstanding efforts on the baseball field. Together, these athletes helped to make this season a successful one for the Dino club.
Throughout the year, Carbon senior Lewis, played strong at third base but often lent his hand at pitching. The diverse player was able to step up at any time and will be missed next year by the Dinos.
Schmitz played well as the team’s catcher this year. Several big plays were made at home plate on the part of the talented athlete. Schmitz also had a great season at bat.
During the final state tournament game the Dinos competed in, Schmitz hit a double and then stole third base. He would then score for the Dinos to bring the team within two runs during the bottom of the seventh inning against Dixie who eventually captured the victory and eliminated Carbon from the tourney.
Both Hatch and Smith had strong seasons at bat. The two athletes stood strong and made several big plays for the Carbon squad while hitting.
Smith also stepped up on several occasions to pitch for the Dinos.
Overall, the five Dino athletes contributed to the successful Carbon season and earned their spot on the all-region roster.
