Baseball | 11/3/2025 11:09:00 AM

The game of baseball has taken four Clinton Arrows from hard work and perseverance to dreams realized on Monday, November 3.

Chad Bates, Stone Crain, Ryan Saxton, and David Steelman each extended their baseball careers to the collegiate level, surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and teammates in the Clinton High School Media Center.

Bates and Crain head to Pearl River Community College, while Saxton and Steelman take their talents to Hinds Community College.

The four Arrows helped their team reach the second round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A Playoffs during the 2025 season. Clinton finished with a 21-9 overall record.

CHAD BATES

Chad Bates finalized his commitment to Pearl River, joining his teammate Stone Crain.

"It is a blessing, the hard work paying off," Bates said. "I was blessed to have options on where I wanted to go, but I have to continue working hard no matter if it's the JUCO level or the four-year level."

The speedy outfielder has built a reputation around his athleticism and aims to carry that into the next chapter. During the 2025 season, Bates hit .396 with 38 hits, including four doubles and driving in 25 runs. He scored 36 times and stole 13 bases in 14 attempts, threatening on the basepaths constantly for the Arrows.

STONE CRAIN

Stone Crain grabs his catching gear and heads to Pearl River, a decision that was partially influenced by his teammate, Ethan Dotson and Bates.

"I've always heard about Pearl River, and I always wanted to go there," Crain said. "Believe it or not, they were one of the last ones to reach out, but I saw Dottie and Chad get offers there. It a process to get to get to this point, but I wanted to go (to PRCC).

"Working every day, every night, constantly," Crain added. "I want to be the best and play with the best."

The Clinton catcher turned in a productive season during the 2025 campaign, posting standout numbers at the plate and behind it. Crain hit .436 with a .755 slugging percentage, collecting 41 hits. The hits included 10 doubles, a triple, and six home runs, while driving in 42 runs for the Arrows. Behind the dish, Crain caught 193.2 innings and recorded 13 runners caught stealing, anchoring the Clinton defense.

The senior's balanced production and steady play earned him postseason recognitions, highlighting a season of offensive power and defensive reliability.

RYAN SAXTON

Clinton first baseman Ryan Saxton will continue his baseball career at Hinds Community College.

Saxton batted .267 during the 2025 season, tallying 13 singles, three doubles, five RBI, and eight runs scored. Defensively, he anchored first base with .983 fielding percentage and played a key role in six double plays, showcasing his steady glove and field awareness.

"Hinds has always felt right home, it's always been right there," Saxton said. "It's been a really welcoming place and so has the coaching staff. I have a lot of connections at Hinds."

DAVID STEELMAN

Third baseman David Steelman is set to continue his baseball career at Hinds Community College.

During his junior season in 2025, Steelman posted a .340 batting average with 32 hits, including a double, 13 RBI, and 21 runs scored, as he proved a consistent presence in the Clinton lineup. His move to Hinds gives the Eagles a steady bat and strong defensive instincts at the hot corner.

"I worked hard and really didn't get many looks until this summer," Steelman said. "I had a visit at (Hinds), and it went well. I thought it was the school for me ... (Coach) Temple always has been a big help getting all of us recruited."