<strong>By Bob Sofaly</strong>

After a 15-year hiatus, baseball spikes are again cutting into the baseball diamond at Beaufort Academy. Head baseball coach Danny McElhany said he’s been very busy and looking forward to this week’s season opener.

“It’s been 15 years, and baseball hasn’t be around,” he said. “We’re trying to rebuild the program.”

Literally.

“We’ve rebuilt dugouts, added a batting facility and rebuilt the infield,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_48450" align="aligncenter" width="1020"]<a href="https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02232021-BA-BAseball-5-3345.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-48450 size-large" src="https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02232021-BA-BAseball-5-3345-1024x800.jpeg" alt="" width="1020" height="797"></a> Bob Sofaly photo<br>Danny McElhany, left, head coach of Beaufort Acadmy’s baseball team, said one of his biggest challenges is the experience of his team. Some players have never played organized baseball before while other have played on more advance “club” teams.[/caption]

Although his roster boasts 30 players – including JV and varsity players – it has been difficult to get them all together for regular practice sessions.

“Some of my players are dual(-sport) athletes and are just coming off basketball season,” McElhany said. “Concerns over COVID-19 dragged out the basketball season. So those athletes are just now officially with the team.”

[caption id="attachment_48448" align="aligncenter" width="934"]<a href="https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02232021-BA-BAseball-practice-2-3449.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-48448 size-large" src="https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/02232021-BA-BAseball-practice-2-3449-934x1024.jpeg" alt="" width="934" height="1024"></a> Bob Sofaly photo<br>After a 15-year hiatus, baseball spikes are being worn on the baseball diamond at Beaufort Academy. Here, John Howell laces up his shoes as he gets ready for practice.[/caption]

McElhany, watching his players running drills, said, “we have a few kids who have never played organized baseball before.”

He smiled and added that they also have a handful of players who played club ball “help the younger ones. It’s all coming together.”

McElhany and his Eagles lost their season opener 13-7 against John Paul II Catholic School on Monday, Feb. 28, in Hardeville. Braydon Dineen reached base four times with three hits, while Riley Thomson had two hits and a stolen base.