A year ago, Liberty Christian was scrambling to find enough players and a practice facility to field a baseball team.They managed to get by on the bare minimum, completing the season 4-6.A lot can change in 12 months.The success of a simple idea to add a sport is evident in the numbers, as the Eagles now possess depth with 16 players on the roster.They also have a field to call home, hosting teams at the Warrenton Athletic Complex instead of traveling for every contest.“That’s a big deal being able to have a place to call home,” said assistant Coach Ron Dickson. “That’s a great addition this year.”Dickson joins head coach Mark Fox and assistant Faith Pietzman in managing the program.Liberty Christian has just one senior this season, relying heavily on Tanner Meyer as a pitcher and shortstop.“He’s without question our best athlete,” said Dickson.Meyer will serve as a primary starting pitcher, but it’s anticipated that sophomore Jake Pietzman may take the majority of the innings.“Jake has looked as good as ever,” said Dickson. “As long as he’s able to keep his head, he’s going to be tough this year.”The duo carried almost the entire pitching load for the Eagles during the inaugural season.“Tanner would actually rather stay at shortstop, because that’s where he excels the most,” said Dickson.Catching for Liberty Christian will be junior Kaleb Bagby, who improved through a considerable amount of summer baseball.At third base, the Eagles will rely on returning starter Brendan Dickson, a junior.Freshman Logan Hart is playing second base, while Kameron Bagby mans first base.Coach Dickson says those positions are fairly solid, with the most uncertainty and change taking place in the outfield.“That’s probably where we’re the weakest, having revamped from last year,” said Dickson.Right fielder David Brumagin is the only returner in that area.He will be joined by eighth grader Andrew Voss in centerfield, while Braeden Grow plays left field.“Braeden is probably our most improved player from last year,” said Dickson.Providing depth on the mound will be Brumagin, Voss and Kameron Bagby.“The biggst thing we’re trying to accomplish this year is to work in more guys on the mound,” said Dickson. “We have to develop the confidence in those other guys.”Eighth grader Josh Summer may also split some innings.Pietzman will play the lead-off role, with Voss and Meyer falling in behind.“Our hitting has been so-so,” said Dickson of the early season. “We’re swinging at some pitches out of the zone, because they can get away with it.”With a more structured lineup, the Eagles are raising their expectations this season.“I would say at the end of the season we should be right there near the top,” said Dickson. “We should be right in the mix at Joplin (state tournament).”Liberty Christian welcomes a few new schools to the Metro Athletic Conference, including Poplar Bluff.EAGLES ENTER SECOND SEASONDerrick Forsythe photo.