Step inside Evangel Valor Baseball with Head Coach Sam Jones as he gets his 7th-seeded squad ready for the KCAC Tournament. The focus is clear, an old-school style built on small ball, steady pitching, and a “one heartbeat” mentality that keeps everyone locked in together. Coach Jones also shares what he looks for in recruiting, prioritizing players who bring faith, selflessness, and a gritty approach to earning everything on the field.

The conversation also widens into what’s happening across college athletics, from possible NCAA eligibility shifts tied to a five-year window to the ongoing impact of the transfer portal. Add in his path from Colorado to Springfield and the deeper family and faith-driven pull behind it, and it paints a fuller picture of a program built on more than just wins and losses.

Step inside&nbsp;Evangel Valor Baseball with Head Coach Sam Jones as he gets his 7th-seeded squad ready for the KCAC Tournament. The focus is clear, an old-school style built on small ball, steady pitching, and a &ldquo;one heartbeat&rdquo; mentality that keeps everyone locked in together. Coach Jones also shares what he looks for in recruiting, prioritizing players who bring faith, selflessness, and a gritty approach to earning everything on the field.
The conversation also widens into what&rsquo;s happening across college athletics, from possible NCAA eligibility shifts tied to a five-year window to the ongoing impact of the transfer portal. Add in his path from Colorado to Springfield and the deeper family and faith-driven pull behind it, and it paints a fuller picture of a program built on more than just wins and losses.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won – Springfield’s Sports Hub

Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won — your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.

-Local Coverage, Local Voice — In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about.
-Live Sports Odds & Boards — View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
-Pro Picks & Betting Insights — Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game.
-On-Air Shows & Podcasts — Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more.
-Alerts & News — Get notified on big games, breaking scores.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won &ndash; Springfield&rsquo;s Sports Hub
Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won &mdash; your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.
-Local Coverage, Local Voice &mdash; In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about. -Live Sports Odds &amp; Boards &mdash; View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. -Pro Picks &amp; Betting Insights &mdash; Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game. -On-Air Shows &amp; Podcasts &mdash; Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more. -Alerts &amp; News &mdash; Get notified on big games, breaking scores.