The reverberating ping of metal bat connecting with a ball rang out across the backside of the sprawling Baylor School campus.
The distinctive sound was a clear signal that spring sports will soon be in full swing at Chattanooga-area high schools as Monday marks the opening day for baseball and softball teams across Tennessee, as well as for soccer, tennis and track and field.
At Baylor, the sounds were also a call to witness something rarely seen on prep fields anywhere as both the baseball and softball programs look to extend dominating state championship streaks that have now reached record levels.
The Red Raiders baseball program has won three TSSAA Division II-AA state titles in a row – one behind the state record for consecutive championships – while the softball program owns the past six state titles, which is tied for the longest run in state history.
“It’s fun to show up at the yard every day,” Baylor baseball co-head coach Greg Elie said as he watched a group that includes six players who have committed to college programs, including two who are potential MLB draft picks.