Mingus High's Bob Young is always busy coaching football or baseball, but being constantly on the run helps keep Young young.

Young was yelling out instructions to his weight training students when he answered his phone Tuesday to talk about his baseball team’s 10-0-1 start. Mingus moved up from Division III to Division II this season.

It’s a big move, but if there is somebody who can help Mingus make the transition, it’s Young, who’s in his 25th season at Mingus. Mingus’ first true test of the season begins this week during Greenway High’s tournament, where Mingus will play six games in four days.

There’s pitching depth and a reliable infield that’s already converted 20 double plays thanks in part to Mingus’ shortstop Tom McCarty and second baseman Taylor Mathe. The pitching rotation features two Dodger scout team arms, Austin Swart and Marshall Shill, who bring a lot of experience to the mound and plate. Swart was one of the state leaders in RBI’s last year, and Shill is the team’s ace.

Like Shill, Mingus’ No. 3 pitcher, Orlando Machado, throws in the mid 80s and possesses a good curve ball. If Mingus’ young outfield can continue to play well defensively and produce at the plate more consistently along with the rest of the lineup, then Mingus might continue its winning ways, Young said.

Mingus already possesses the coaching staff with a championship pedigree. Young’s right-hand man, Steve Huson, has served with Young since 1996, including during state championship seasons.

Huson’s brother, Jeff, played in the majors for more than 10 years and is the only player in Mingus' history to reach the major leagues.

“I like the makeup of our team,” Young said. “We’ve challenged these guys to play at a higher level, and they’ve done that so far.”  

Greenway tournament

Greenway’s annual tournament begins Tuesday with 23 teams from California, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado and in-state squads.

Greenway has been nationally ranked in a couple of publications, including Baseball America, this season. The 9-1 squad lost its only game of the year to nationally ranked Hamilton, 1-0.

On Monday, Greenway’s Payton Squier broke the school’s career hit record and now sits at 151. The Class 4A state career hit record is 195.

Squier’s teammate, Zach McLeod, threw his second consecutive no-hitter. His pitching line during those games versus Salpointe and Colorado Brighton: 13 innings, 3 walks, 12 K’s. 

The images below are courtesy of Greenway High and head coach Matt Denny.