I don’t know about all my readers but when I can walk outside in the dead of winter without a coat on, I am like all the flowers that start blooming ahead of schedule as my sports appetite takes on a different flavor.

I really, really enjoy all sports but having played baseball most of my childhood, I get excited like a kid in a Lego store when baseball and softball season begins.

The warm temperatures have done nothing more than escalate the desire for the spring sports to start.

One of the good things is that local college baseball has already begun and the Elizabethton Cyclones have their first scrimmage of the season scheduled for February 18^th with Tennessee High.

I truly believe that this season is going to be one of the best for spring sports in recent memory as all the local teams are returning some key players while some schools have enhanced their programs with new hires and upgrades to facilities.

Off the top of my head, I know for a fact that the Hampton Bulldogs will be playing their first season ever under lights as Coach Nicholas Perkins has dug in and is making Hampton baseball a force to be reckoned with in Class A.

Not only have the Bulldogs added lights but many upgrades have been undertaken including the recent addition of playing carpet to the inside of their field house.

Hampton also has made a new hire on the girls’ softball team in Chelsey Weddle – a Hampton alumnus who has helped coach the girls’ basketball team.

Weddle brings a fire to the field and don’t be surprised to see the Lady Bulldogs in the mix this season.

Unaka has also successfully fielded solid teams in baseball and softball in years past and no less is expected this season.

The Lady Rangers are coming off another state appearance from last season and should be a tough out for anyone while the baseball team continues to battle back to the state tournament once again.

Up on Roan Mountain, there will be a new head baseball coach this season and Coach Matt Birchfield returns a chunk of returning starters from last season’s softball team that just missed a trip to the state tournament.

Happy Valley has a new head coach at the helm in Todd Caldwell, also a HV alumni.

Look for Caldwell to bring a ton of energy to the field and the Warriors to be a thorn in the flesh of Three Rivers Conference opponents.

Also, the Lady Warrior softball team should be improved and ready to take on the Three Rivers Conference seeking to reach post-season play.

Finally, the Cyclones programs will be among the elite as Coach Ken Hardin has a team that can make a lot of noise with some big sticks on deck and solid pitching rotation.

Coach Ryan Presnell continues to mold the Cyclone baseball team into a year in and year out state contender and with Duke signee Evan Carter bringing the heat and the stick to complement a talented group each game should be fun to watch.

Yep, I have spring fever already as I have given up on any snow for the year.

I say bring on the popcorn and cracker jacks and let’s play ball.