Conway NBMC players enjoy chance to team up this summer
What a difference a year makes.
Last season, Conway NBMC played up a division in American Legion. This year, though, the team is playing against guys their own age. Each member on the team has improved numbers from a year ago. For Wade Beck, Matt Lowe and Tyler Spangler, they simply just want to win and get better while doing so.
"They're part of our core and they're vital to what we do," Conway NBMC coach Damon Smith said. "We need them in the lineup and they help us a lot. There are two or three more that really help our core, but those guys are kind of my standouts."
Beck is considered to be the team's ace on the mound. His pitching numbers have improved this season and he's become a bigger threat at the plate.
"I enjoy being put in situations when I need to get somebody out," Beck said. "I've been hitting the ball hard, but it's been a while since I hit a home run and circled the bases. Hopefully, we can go in this tournament and get some wins. We always expect to win. We have a lot of good players on this team."
Spangler is tied with Kirby Powell with the most home runs on the team with four. He homered to left-center in Conway NBMC's 21-12 victory over the Conway Cougars on Thursday.
"I just go in and try to get a hit actually," Spangler said. "I try not to strike out. ... I guess I like to watch Albert Pujols because he's exciting to watch. He just goes out and hit balls."
Lowe has been a new addition to the team and he's enjoyed teaming up with the other guys. He is listed as the No. 2 pitcher and he also starts at short stop, but he can play nearly every position on the field. His older brother, B.J. Lowe, was Conway High's No. 1 pitcher this past season, and he signed a national letter of intent to play at Tugaloo College in Miss.
"I'm just willing to play wherever the coach puts me at," Lowe said. "When I get on the mound I'm just thinking to throw a strike. Right now, my fastball is working and the curveball is there. B.J. has taught me how to make my windup better and how to throw faster. He also taught me how to field better."