Longtime Winslow Bulldogs head baseball coach Art Griffith began his 50th year last week.

Griffith is a well known and well respected baseball coach among his coaching peers across the state of Arizona. Winslow dropped its regular season opener to Chino Valley, 6-1, as both teams competed in inclement weather conditions.

"It was very cold and ugly weather conditions for baseball," Griffith said. "Despite the weather, the guys did a good job. The guys played good defense. We made contact at the plate, but we hit the ball at someone. It's going to get better for us."

Winslow had its second game of the season postponed against Kayenta Monument Valley this past Monday.

Earlier this month, Griffith greeted nine returning lettermen from last year's Bulldogs' 14-14 team.

"I have a young team, but the guys have some experience," Griffith said. "I have three seniors and we're loaded with underclassmen. As the season progresses, the guys are going to get better."

Senior infielder/catcher Brennan Sawyer is the Bulldogs' leader. Sawyer was voted to 3A East All-Region last year.

"Brennan (Sawyer) had an outstanding season last year," Griffith said. "He is our leader. He is one of the team's seniors. I look for good things from him this year. He will help the younger players."

Griffith said he returns three pitchers from last year's team. Juniors Solomon Setalla and Jacob Guerrero and sophomore Sonny Wilbanks top the pitching staff. 

"I have three solid pitchers," Griffith said. "We have good defense to back up our pitching staff. We have good speed. During our first game, the guys made contact. When the weather gets better, the guys will get better on defense and offense."

Griffith said he find out more on the Bulldogs' play when they participate in this weekend's Florence tournament. Winslow faces region nemesis Show Low Cougars this Thursday in the opening round of the tournament. The Winslow/Show Low game will be played at San Tan Foothills.

Winslow earned a state tournament berth last year, as No. 17 seed. The Bulldogs eliminated No. 16 Valley Christian, 4-1, in the state tournament play-in game. Casteel eliminated Winslow, 11-1, in the first round of the state tournament.