Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
The Webster’s 21st Century Dictionary defines the word synonymous as a different word of similar meaning. When Central Private baseball is discussed or mentioned among MAIS/MPSA baseball fans several words routinely get spoken; Powerhouse, Dynasty, Intimidating, Excellence. During a 13 year span beginning in 1997 Central Private baseball was synonymous with those four terms as the program cranked out eight state championships and produced numerous division I college prospects. Twice in that span the Rebel’s won state titles four consecutive seasons. The premier baseball program not only has championship hardware but also an amazing 189-23 record over the past five seasons. Central Private appeared to be well on their way to a fifth straight championship last season but was upset by Copiah in the south finals.
Central Private has an 18-6 record and is currently ranked #2 in the latest Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten. The Rebels begin their quest for their 12th state championship in school history Monday when they host top ranked Brookhaven.
The Webster’s 21st Century Dictionary defines the word synonymous as a different word of similar meaning. When Central Private baseball is discussed or mentioned among MAIS/MPSA baseball fans several words routinely get spoken; Powerhouse, Dynasty, Intimidating, Excellence. During a 13 year span beginning in 1997 Central Private baseball was synonymous with those four terms as the program cranked out eight state championships and produced numerous division I college prospects. Twice in that span the Rebel’s won state titles four consecutive seasons. The premier baseball program not only has championship hardware but also an amazing 189-23 record over the past five seasons. Central Private appeared to be well on their way to a fifth straight championship last season but was upset by Copiah in the south finals.
Central Private has an 18-6 record and is currently ranked #2 in the latest Southern Sports & Travel Top Ten. The Rebels begin their quest for their 12th state championship in school history Monday when they host top ranked Brookhaven.
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From the dugout with Coach Jason Kinchen:
*Having won four straight state titles and then falling short last season, has this motivated your squad this season?
“Not winning the title last year definitely was tough to deal with, but each year we begin, it is our tradition in our baseball program that is our main motivation. We have some new guys here and they are starting to learn the tradition of CPS Baseball.”
*What do you feel your guys need to do a better job at?
“Offense…..We have young and inexperienced hitters that make up our lineup. As a whole, I am pleased with the progress that they have made throughout the season but there is always room for improvement.
Putting teams away…..Our mentality this season has not been as intense as I would have like to see. I want our players to be able to put teams away when the opportunity presents itself. I always tell our guys to “put your foot on their necks to where they can’t breathe”. I have not seen that from my squad….yet.”
*What will it take to make a run at a state title?
“We need to concentrate on winning the first game of each series in order to put the pressure on the opponent. I feel a lot of luck is important with any team succeeding in the playoffs along with certain players coming through in clutch situations. Come playoffs, I feel the right calls on the base pads and pitch calling is a huge factor in giving your team the chance to win. We have practiced our system all year long and now it is time for the players and coaches to execute.”
*Who do your guys look to for leadership on the team?
“Our guys look at each other for leadership on our team. I teach and preach the whole “TEAM” aspect of the game and never individuality. We do have a couple of guys that will step it up and voice their opinions when needed. Unfortunately, it is not from our senior class.”
*Which teams in the south are you most concerned with as playoff time approaches?
“I feel when Centreville is swinging the bats the way I know they can, they will be tough to beat. Have not seen Hillcrest or Brookhaven play, but I have heard they are tough.”
From the dugout with Coach Jason Kinchen:
*Having won four straight state titles and then falling short last season, has this motivated your squad this season?
“Not winning the title last year definitely was tough to deal with, but each year we begin, it is our tradition in our baseball program that is our main motivation. We have some new guys here and they are starting to learn the tradition of CPS Baseball.”
*What do you feel your guys need to do a better job at?
“Offense…..We have young and inexperienced hitters that make up our lineup. As a whole, I am pleased with the progress that they have made throughout the season but there is always room for improvement.
Putting teams away…..Our mentality this season has not been as intense as I would have like to see. I want our players to be able to put teams away when the opportunity presents itself. I always tell our guys to “put your foot on their necks to where they can’t breathe”. I have not seen that from my squad….yet.”
*What will it take to make a run at a state title?
“We need to concentrate on winning the first game of each series in order to put the pressure on the opponent. I feel a lot of luck is important with any team succeeding in the playoffs along with certain players coming through in clutch situations. Come playoffs, I feel the right calls on the base pads and pitch calling is a huge factor in giving your team the chance to win. We have practiced our system all year long and now it is time for the players and coaches to execute.”
*Who do your guys look to for leadership on the team?
“Our guys look at each other for leadership on our team. I teach and preach the whole “TEAM” aspect of the game and never individuality. We do have a couple of guys that will step it up and voice their opinions when needed. Unfortunately, it is not from our senior class.”
*Which teams in the south are you most concerned with as playoff time approaches?
“I feel when Centreville is swinging the bats the way I know they can, they will be tough to beat. Have not seen Hillcrest or Brookhaven play, but I have heard they are tough.”
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The Jason Kinchen resume.......
Graduated from Central Private in 1993
LISA state champs 1992
Played 2 years at CO-LIN
Played 2 Years @ Brewton-Parker College NAIA
Won NAIA national championship in 1997
2 time all American
7 years professional baseball (last 3 being with the New York Yankees)
7th year at CPS as a coach
3rd year as Head Coach; Record (84-12)
Owner/operator of JackHammer Baseball
The Jason Kinchen resume.......
Graduated from Central Private in 1993
LISA state champs 1992
Played 2 years at CO-LIN
Played 2 Years @ Brewton-Parker College NAIA
Won NAIA national championship in 1997
2 time all American
7 years professional baseball (last 3 being with the New York Yankees)
7th year at CPS as a coach
3rd year as Head Coach; Record (84-12)
Owner/operator of JackHammer Baseball
