By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
Not to be overshadowed by the return of legendary coach Jeff Reese, the NRHEG Panthers sailed to a 5-2 win over Blue Earth in their opener Tuesday.
Reese returned home about a month ago and joined the team as an assistant about two weeks ago. The 1973 New Richland-Hartland high school graduate began his coaching career in New Richland in 1979, coaching until his retirement in 2013. Reese most recently coached baseball for Mankato Loyola, officially retiring after last season.
“The story isn’t me, it’s the kids,” Reese pointed out. “This is a special group.”
Backed by a complete game by junior Daxter Lee, the Panthers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Future division 1 ballplayer, committed to South Dakota State, Andrew Phillips led the Panthers with two doubles and a walk, scoring three times while snagging four stolen bases.
Phillips got the Panthers on the board early after a leadoff double. He was plated by Lee, who reached via error. Lee later came around to score on two stolen bases and a passed ball.
A solo home run from the Buccaneers put them on the board in the fourth. The Bucs only managed six baserunners in the contest.
“We’ve got some kinks to work out, but I was really impressed with how we played today considering we’ve only had one outdoor practice,” NRHEG head coach Mark Lee said.
“As for Reese, he gave a modest introduction to the kids when he returned, which I followed with a very boastful introduction. The amount of knowledge, experience, and baseball IQ Jeff brings to the team is invaluable. And it’s fun. Reese was my coach and truth be told we don’t know how many more days he has left. We’re all grateful to see him back on the diamond and back home.”
The Panthers play on Saturday, at home, at noon.