By PAUL MCAFEE, Special to the News Sentinel
A 48-1 record. A state championship. A No. 2 ranking in the final national poll.
The lofty accomplishments of the 2003 Farragut High baseball team remain a fresh memory, but the 2004 Admirals aren't talking about duplicating last year's dream season. They're simply trying to improve daily and remain competitive in what Farragut coach Tommy Pharr believes will be a strong District 4-AAA.
The Admirals aren't worried about measuring up. They just wants to carve their place in Farragut history with another successful campaign.
"There's not too much pressure," said Farragut pitcher/first baseman Kyle Waldrop, who pitched four scoreless innings to help the Admirals to a 10-0 victory over Central on Monday at Farragut.
"We had an amazing year last year, but this is a new year. We are just trying to play to the best of our ability. We don't want to put pressure on ourselves."
The pressure might come from other sources - namely the Farragut fans, who would like nothing more than a repeat performance at the state tournament.
Expectations are always high at the tradition-rich school.
"I think there could be some pressure," Pharr said. "They know they are expected to be good again, so I think there is a little pressure there. But our focus every year is to just get better every day."
The Admirals lost a number of key players to graduation. Gone are Michael McKenry, Craig Cobb, Jimmy Kelly and Brad Isom - all key figures in last year's phenomenal season.
But plenty of talent remains in hitting and pitching. Top pitchers include Waldrop, Rob Catapano and Philip Sherrard.
Harrison Eldridge, Waldrop, Drew Reagan, Tony Delmonico and Scott Dean are leaders at the plate.
Waldrop belted a three-run homer in the first inning against Central, and Eldridge smashed a solo shot in the second.
"We lost some great players, but we have some great players filling their spots," Waldrop said. "We have good team unity, too. If we play like we are capable, we can be a good team. We have the ability if we stay focused."
The burning question remains: Can the Admirals repeat as state champions?
"Last year was a magical thing, but I think we have a chance to be good again," Pharr said. "I think we can be competitive. We have a good club."
Waldrop likes Farragut's chances, too.
"That (having won last year) gives us a lot of confidence," he said. "We know what it takes to get there. I think that will help us."
"If you make every game a life and death proposition, you're going to have problems. For one thing, you'll be dead a lot."
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