If you’ve been wondering where I have been over the past several weeks — the truth is I’ve been in hibernation.
No, not hibernation from the cold weather, but hibernation from distractions while I wrote the 2026 Pine Belt Baseball Preview Magazine, which you should have in your hands very soon.
Anytime we get notifications on our phones about potentially dangerous cold weather, it only means that for all of us in the South, baseball season is right around the corner.
For Southern Miss fans, baseball can’t get here soon enough. Football season is over and left very little excitement for 2026. Basketball season has not gone well in January for either team.
And baseball just seems to bring the fan base together in a way that only Pete Taylor Park magic can do.
I’ve argued that this Christian Ostrander team might be one of the best of his tenure. You have arguably the best returning pitcher in the Sun Belt as your ace. You have at least five options for the two remaining rotation spots and an embarrassment of riches behind them in the bullpen.
Not even to mention the offense, which could take another step forward after breaking the single-season home run record last year with 106 home runs. The Golden Eagles return Matthew Russo, Drey Barrett, Joey Urban, Ben Higdon and Tucker Stockman, who accounted for nearly half of the home runs from a season ago.
Even though they lost 21-home-run producer Nick Monistere and 16-home-run producer Carson Paetow, those spots were filled nicely with the additions of Kyle Morrison and Caleb Stelly, both of whom bring big power at the plate.
Needless to say, this Southern Miss team shouldn’t bat an eye and should be right back in another NCAA regional — and who knows, maybe even hosting for the second straight season for the first time in program history.
Just down the road, William Carey and Bobby Halford are getting ready to step onto the field. Roster turnover is the norm in today’s game, and Carey feels it as much as anyone, with practically an entirely new team.
But they have a legendary skipper, and they will always pitch it well, defend it and compete in every game they play. Look for Carey baseball to be right back in the thick of things while trying to get back to Lewiston.
For the two junior colleges, Pearl River and Jones, both are ranked in the top 15 of the NJCAA preseason rankings. The Wildcats, coming off a season that ended with a national championship appearance, are No. 2, while Jones checks in at No. 14.
Both programs shouldn’t miss a beat this season, despite roster turnover at both schools.
As for high schools around the area, 2026 should be no different when it comes to the immense talent across the Pine Belt.
Oak Grove enters the season with the look of a team that knows it was close. Very close.
The Warriors are loaded with experience, particularly in the middle of the order, and will once again be one of the toughest outs in 7A. There’s an edge to this group — the kind that comes from knowing the opportunities that were there last year and wanting more.
If you’re looking for upside, start with Petal. The Panthers are absolutely stacked with talent and experience and are my early favorite to come out of the South in 7A.
There’s power, there’s pitching depth and there’s confidence. In a class that doesn’t offer much margin for error, Petal looks equipped to handle the grind.
Hattiesburg is one of the most intriguing teams in the area. The losses from last season were significant, but the athletic ceiling of this group might actually be higher.
A new era begins at Purvis following the retirement of Tony Farlow, but expectations don’t disappear just because a name changes on the door. Look for Kyle Lindsey to lead his alma mater to the same heights fans have come to expect at Purvis.
Not to mention, Purvis and Sumrall are both in a new classification at 5A. Sumrall might be the steadiest team in the Pine Belt year after year. Nothing flashy. Nothing accidental.
They play clean baseball, they don’t beat themselves, and they usually peak when it matters most. That formula has worked for a long time — and there’s no reason to expect anything different this spring.
PCS might have the highest ceiling of any team in the area.
Between elite pitching talent and a lineup that can score in bunches, this is a team built to make noise immediately in 3A. In fact, I think this team could compete in 7A if given the opportunity.
Sacred Heart had plenty to replace after a dazzling season a year ago. Expect Larry Watkins not to bat an eye and put a team on the field that will compete hard and win more than it loses.
North Forrest is trending in the right direction. The pieces are there, and the growth from last season is noticeable.
They’ll be better defensively, more consistent on the mound and more confident at the plate.
Lumberton is young — but intriguing.
There’s raw talent throughout the roster, and while growing pains are inevitable, the foundation is clear.
Forrest County brings back a group that knows how to compete in tight games. They’ll pitch it better than people expect and won’t shy away from bigger moments.
They will be a tough draw, especially late in the year.
Lamar Christian lost a lot after last year’s successful season, but if Matthew Parker can do it once, you can bet he can do it again.
And that’s the beauty of baseball season in the Pine Belt. Every team in the area is competing for championships, which is why baseball is a little bit of what everyone needs right now.
So if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been — now you know.
I’ve been getting ready for baseball season. And thankfully, it’s almost here.
You can pick up full previews of each team in our annual Pine Belt Sports: The Magazine 2026 Baseball Preview, which should be available in early February.
Have a great week, and bundle up!
