BY JAMES TUBB ON MAY 26, 2022.
[email protected]@ReporterTubb
Medicine Hat Mavericks fans will have any easy time remembering the names of three players this summer.
The Stark brothers, Nathan, Zachary and Josh, all from Medicine Hat, will be playing on the same team for the first time ever as they don the Mavericks red this season.
Nathan, a right-handed pitcher, is the oldest at 24 and played three seasons with the Mavericks from 2017-2019. He was joined by 22-year-old Zachary, a catcher, in 2019 as the duo represented their hometown. Now, Josh will make his Mavericks debut at the age of 20.
The oldest Stark said it’s going to be special to share a clubhouse with his brothers.
“I haven’t been able to play with Josh ever, so this is something special be able to do that,” Stark said. “With the age difference we didn’t really get the chance, so to be able to have it this season, it’s pretty great.”
Zachary and Josh also shared a team in high school, as they both represented the Hat High Hawks while Nathan played for the McCoy Colts.
The middle Stark said he thinks the trio of brothers will be something Mavericks fans can look forward to. He said he is very excited to be back and playing in Medicine Hat.
“I’m ecstatic, couldn’t be more happier, just a great environment to be around,” the catcher said.
There is a strong chance with each of the three brothers playing a different position they will share a lineup card together in one of the Mavericks’ 56 games. When that game comes, Josh said it’s going to mean a lot to the whole family.
“I know our mom’s gonna go out there and be really proud and our dad, too,” Stark said. “Just put a smile on their faces and hopefully the fans will love to see it.”
The oldest brother said when that lineup card comes together and if they can get their hands on it, it already has a special place to hang.
“Probably on my mom’s fridge, put it up there for everyone to see,” Stark said.
Nathan and Zachary are two of the four returning Mavericks this season after the club has not played since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The elder Stark said he is looking to provide a good example for the new Mavs.
“I was kind of a younger guy in this position before, didn’t really know much of the game and I was able to learn a lot from the guys before that,” Stark said. “If I can just teach some guys and just try to be a good role model for these kids, is what I’m most likely trying to do.”
Having the experience of growing up and playing in Medicine Hat for 24 years, Stark laughed when asked if he will show guys around and tabbed Echo Dale park as his go-to show-and-tell spot.
“It’s kind of a good area just to go out and hang on the off days, catch some sun and throw the ball around a little bit,” Stark said.
Mavericks owner and general manager Greg Morrison was all smiles when talking about the Stark brothers Wednesday night ahead of Mavericks Fan Fest at Athletic Park. He said he is looking forward to seeing the three of them on the field together at one time.
“I knew it would be a great story. I have young kids and just to follow those kids at that age and still be doing sports is one thing,” Morrison said. “To do it at this level is another thing and to do it at this level on the same team is just miraculous.”
The youngest Stark was very excited for Fan Fest on Wednesday and said he attended them as a kid and when his two older brothers were on the team.
He laughed when asked how his autograph was heading into the event and jokingly broke down the science behind signing baseballs.
“It’s about an eight,” Stark said with a smile. “On paper it’s probably a 10, but a baseball, it’s a little difficult. You have to sign the right spot because you don’t want Greg Morrison getting mad at you if you take the sweet spot. So you have to ask the fan if you’re the only one signing and stuff like that.”