Stewarts Creek baseball's quick rise about more than on the field

It started on an antiquated baseball field on Todd Lane in Smyrna.

It finished at MTSU's Reese Smith Field.

In between the Stewarts Creek senior baseball players helped an exceptionally quick evolution of the Red Hawks program that was about more than just the quality of the diamond.

In just four years the Red Hawks became a state baseball power under Coach Mike Bartlett.

"It was easy recognizing their playing ability," said Bartlett of the 11 seniors who played their final high school game Friday at MTSU in the Class AAA state championship game, falling to Brentwood 5-3.

"What we found out was that there was something special there as people. They bonded, more like brothers instead of teammates. That's something we built the program on."

It started when the school opened as the team held its first tryouts on the old Babe Ruth baseball field on Todd Lane, where Smyrna played its home games 30 years ago.

"I remember that," said SCHS senior shortstop Tre Bailliez, smiling through the disappointment of losing in the state title game. "We were fielding ground balls off of hills. I think the fence was about 310 feet to center field."

The first Stewarts Creek team understandably struggled, going 6-27. The next year the team progressed to 8-17.

As juniors they won 24 games and reached the Class AAA state tournament.

Friday's loss ended their senior campaign at 34-10, just a timely hit here or there from a state title.

"This was huge for the program," said senior ace Austin Steel. "We went from six and 20-something to 34-10. It was an amazing run. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Added Bailliez, "Something clicked after our sophomore year. We got together and pushed hard to make us better."

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The 2017 Red Hawks were built for success. This year's team started seven seniors, including its top three starters and closer.

That doesn't mean Bartlett will have to start over next year.

"I knew we had a chance to be good, but I would have never predicted this," Bartlett said. "This senior group set the bar. It was probably more about human beings than baseball."

Added Steel, "I believe there are great things in store for the kids below us. Our 11 seniors were special, but they have some special players coming up."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.