Baseball Battles Through the Season
By Katie Scripoch
By Katie Scripoch
The beginning of the boys’ varsity baseball team’s season has been full of injuries, overcoming adversity and persevering to succeed.
They have six games left in the regular season, one against Willow Glen High School, two against Leigh High School and the remaining three against Leland High School. Head coach Kyle Murdock, has worked hard to help the team push through the challenges they have faced so far.
“We have a really good group of guys, good character guys, nice guys, guys that are fun to be with, guys that have bonded together, it’s a tight knit group and just watching them compete is a lot of fun each and every day,” said Murdock.
Assistant coach Jake Hernandez is staying positive and has noticed the team’s hard work paid off.
“We’ve been in a couple of games this year where we’ve been behind and we’ve been able to come back. They don’t give up, they continue to fight, and that’s a good thing,” said Hernandez.
The upcoming game series against Leland is one thing that Nathan Tichy, 10, is looking forward to because of the competition that this rivalry will bring.
“Our fight and hustle is better than any team. Even if we don’t have as much talent as the other team we always try to outwork them,” said Tichy.
The team has one senior that has been on varsity all four years and four seniors that have been on varsity for three of their four years which brings leadership to the team.
“I just think it’s an experienced team,’’ said Hernandez. “I think experience allows them to overcome challenges and the confidence that we have to compete against other teams that have talent.”
While the team has endured multiple setbacks that have impacted this season, they have a positive look on the situation and continue to play hard.
“I try to tell the guys it’s not the adversity itself that’s going to define this team, but how they respond to this adversity that defines them and so far they’re response has been solid and positive,” said Murdock.
Infielder Noah Morales, 10, agrees that the team is determined to push through, despite the challenges faced.
“I know this group of guys can overcome any obstacles we face because the determination and end goal we have is ultimately to make a run in the playoffs. I can’t think of a single guy on our team that doesn’t care about winning and doesn’t have the heart to go out there day in and day out to put in the work to get better,” said Morales.
Murdock, Hernandez and Pioneer alumni Will Hein have dedicated their time and energy with the hope of improving the team.
“The coaching staff has been awesome. We dedicate a lot of time and energy. Coach Hernandez who’s been here for 20 years, he’s been great working on a day to day basis. Coach Hein, who’s an alumni, comes out here during his time and really helps keep the mood and the morale positive, but at the same time competitive,” said Murdock.
Varsity outfielder Sean Sullivan, 11, feels as though the team has been able to persist through the hardships strengthening their teamwork.
“We have a versatile team and we are resilient so we can take on challenges,” said Sullivan.
After a COVID-19 season with restriction, Morales is happy to be back on the field with his teammates and stay focused on baseball.
“The guys have done a really good job of stepping up and filling some important roles on the field when it was needed most,” said Morales.
They have six games left in the regular season, one against Willow Glen High School, two against Leigh High School and the remaining three against Leland High School. Head coach Kyle Murdock, has worked hard to help the team push through the challenges they have faced so far.
“We have a really good group of guys, good character guys, nice guys, guys that are fun to be with, guys that have bonded together, it’s a tight knit group and just watching them compete is a lot of fun each and every day,” said Murdock.
Assistant coach Jake Hernandez is staying positive and has noticed the team’s hard work paid off.
“We’ve been in a couple of games this year where we’ve been behind and we’ve been able to come back. They don’t give up, they continue to fight, and that’s a good thing,” said Hernandez.
The upcoming game series against Leland is one thing that Nathan Tichy, 10, is looking forward to because of the competition that this rivalry will bring.
“Our fight and hustle is better than any team. Even if we don’t have as much talent as the other team we always try to outwork them,” said Tichy.
The team has one senior that has been on varsity all four years and four seniors that have been on varsity for three of their four years which brings leadership to the team.
“I just think it’s an experienced team,’’ said Hernandez. “I think experience allows them to overcome challenges and the confidence that we have to compete against other teams that have talent.”
While the team has endured multiple setbacks that have impacted this season, they have a positive look on the situation and continue to play hard.
“I try to tell the guys it’s not the adversity itself that’s going to define this team, but how they respond to this adversity that defines them and so far they’re response has been solid and positive,” said Murdock.
Infielder Noah Morales, 10, agrees that the team is determined to push through, despite the challenges faced.
“I know this group of guys can overcome any obstacles we face because the determination and end goal we have is ultimately to make a run in the playoffs. I can’t think of a single guy on our team that doesn’t care about winning and doesn’t have the heart to go out there day in and day out to put in the work to get better,” said Morales.
Murdock, Hernandez and Pioneer alumni Will Hein have dedicated their time and energy with the hope of improving the team.
“The coaching staff has been awesome. We dedicate a lot of time and energy. Coach Hernandez who’s been here for 20 years, he’s been great working on a day to day basis. Coach Hein, who’s an alumni, comes out here during his time and really helps keep the mood and the morale positive, but at the same time competitive,” said Murdock.
Varsity outfielder Sean Sullivan, 11, feels as though the team has been able to persist through the hardships strengthening their teamwork.
“We have a versatile team and we are resilient so we can take on challenges,” said Sullivan.
After a COVID-19 season with restriction, Morales is happy to be back on the field with his teammates and stay focused on baseball.
“The guys have done a really good job of stepping up and filling some important roles on the field when it was needed most,” said Morales.