Carolina Forest High

Program History

The Carolina Forest Baseball Program began in the Spring of 1998 with a Junior Varsity Team. The first Varsity season was in the Spring of 1999. Since then, the program has qualified for 7 state playoffs and won the Region VII-AAA Championship in 2003, 2006 and 2007. Also in 2003, 2006 and 2007; the team won the District VII Championship and played for the Lower State Championship. The 2004 and 2008 squads was Region Runner-up and played for another District Championship those seasons.

2009 Outlook

The 2009 Carolina Forest Panther Baseball Team will strive to continue its recent level of success in AAA as they make the move up to the AAAA ranks.

The 2009 edition of the Panthers baseball team will look to replace 5 departed seniors including Ryan Stewart (Region player of the year and team MVP), Jeremy Knab (USC-Sumter) and John Gump (Erskine). With 10 returning lettermen, this years squad will rely heavily on its 4 seniors and a talented group juniors that got much experience last season as sophomores on the varsity level.

The strength of the 09 team with be depth, primarily in the pitching department. The Panthers could have anywhere from 6-8 pitchers logging innings this season. The infield should be solid, returning 3 of 5 starters from last season. The outfield has all starters returning from last season..

The Panthers will participate in the Baseball at the Beach Pre-season Tournament and host the Mingo Bay Spring Break Classic this season. These two tournaments, plus a competitive non-region schedule will hopefully prepare the Panthers for the challenge of the playing in one of the toughest regions in the state.

RETURNING VARSITY LETTERMEN 2009

Josh Knab- 12- Outfield/ Pitcher
Jacob Talbot- 12- Infield
Gavin Torri- 12- Outfield/DH
Matt Archer- 11- Catcher
Justin Turbeville- 11- P/IF/OF
Cole Tompkins- 11- Infield
Travis Parker- 11- Infield
Matthew Jolly- 11- Pitcher/OF
Hunter Melton- 11- Pitcher/OF
Jarrod Rickman-10- P/IF/OF