THOMASVILLE — Selfless attitude was the key to the Thomasville Bulldogs’ success in 2021. It will once again be the difference for the Diamond ‘Dogs looking to making another long postseason run this year.

“What allowed us to be successful (last year) was really the guys understanding and buying into their role and not being selfish, so to speak. That’s what allowed us to be successful,” Thomasville coach Erik McDougald said. “From a coaching perspective, not just myself but our entire staff, it got to where 17 or 18 guys were playing almost every game. Whether it was a guy that was running or he was pitching a little bit here or he might go in as a defensive replacement, we just had a lot of guys that fit in.

“They didn’t mind that they weren’t selfish about not getting to start or not getting to do this. They accepted their role.”

Thomasville’s humble approach resulted in a 23-12 record, Region 1-AA championship and berth in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.

The optimism to this season stems from the Bulldogs returning the bulk of the starters from last season. They graduated just two.

“The numbers didn’t change a whole lot and the personnel didn’t change too much. You got to like that,” McDougald said.

Thomasville returns senior pitcher/outfielder Gabe Duncan, senior catcher Witt Wetherington, senior first baseman Jace Lowe and senior Mason Beckham, who started at multiple positions. McDougald is confident in his team’s infield and pitching. It will have to find a starter at one of the corner outfield positions.

Thomasville’s approach at the plate will not be much different than last season when it scored 163 runs. Only three times did the Bulldogs eclipse 10 runs in a game. Thomasville succeeded in the close games. Of the Bulldogs’ 23 wins, 16 came by three runs or less.

“We can’t sit back and hit doubles in the gap all day long. That’d be a lot of fun, but it’s just not who we are. We’ve got to focus on the lineup in that execution perspective,” McDougald said. “That goes back to guys buying into their role and understanding that the bunt and that kind of stuff isn’t the biggest thing you see in sports; but these guys are like, ‘Bunt? Sure, no problem.’ That’s part of buying in to that selfless mentality.”

“That’ll be a huge thing going into this season. If we can continue the selfless play, not being self-centered and looking at it from a team perspective, then we should be okay.”

Preseason practices begin Monday, Jan. 17.