Update 7-11-2024
Gavin Stone, Will McEntire, and Coming Next Week: 1915
Gavin Stone’s Headline Story in Only in Arkansas
This week the improbable tale of a rookie from a small town in Arkansas leading the team picked to win the World Series in most pitching categories was the lead story in Only in Arkansas. By the positive response to that story, I would say Arkansas is pulling for Gavin Stone. His accomplishments are a big deal back home, but perhaps his success is even more important to a Dodgers team struggling to maintain their lead in the National League West with a starting rotation led by a rookie.
Not only does Stone lead the qualifiers on the Dodgers in Wins and ERA, but he is the only qualifier for both categories on the active list. He did not have his best game Wednesday night. Stone gave up four earned runs in just over four innings, but the Dodgers’ defense looked amazing on occasion and like the “Bad News Bears” on other plays. Some of those little-league misplays were costly.
I expect Stone to recover and continue to have a great rookie season…and I would not be surprised to see LA look for some help for the starting rotation.
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In case you missed it: Gavin Stone, Lake City’s Rookie Sensation in Only in Arkansas
Mac is Back
Wednesday evening during the Dodgers game I saw the announcement that Will McEntire is returning to the Razorbacks for his sixth year. He may be my all-time favorite Arkansas baseball player. Not only has he overcome adversity to be part of some of the most important victories in this decade, but he represents every Arkansas schoolboy’s dream.
In a time when college players are concerned about NIL, the transfer portal, and the major-league draft, Will McEntire simply wanted to be a Razorback.
"We’re thrilled to have Will back for another season. He’s a Razorback to the core and a great representative for our baseball program, university, and state.”
—Dave Van Horn
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Next week - 1915: Billy from Johnson County saves the day and nicknames
I think he will get a shot if he wants one. I think he is "livin' his dream, don't you?"
Glad Will is coming back! I still hope one of the "smarter" organizations will take a flyer on him in the draft next year. See if they can add a couple ticks to that fastball or figure out some other pitch for him.