This year I have enjoyed covering high school baseball more than any other year I have worked as a sports writer.

Most of the games I covered this season were competitive until the late innings and featured great pitching and exciting offense.

There were many memorable games, including seventh-inning rallies and mad scrambles to keep playoff hopes alive.

The weather, of course, was also wonderful this year.

Unfortunately, the only two area teams to reach the playoffs — Russellville and Vina — were eliminated during the first round.

I hate to see the season end so soon.

While it will make my job easier as the other spring sports begin their playoff seasons, I am sad to see baseball go.

It feels like it just got started and now I have to wait about 10 months for the next high school season.

There are some seniors I will miss watching — not just in baseball — next year.

The county is losing some very talented athletes and it is hard to believe they have played their final games for their respective schools.

But that is the way life goes. It is always changing and you have to enjoy it while you can.

Perhaps next season there will be a team or two in the area that can make a run in the playoffs.