Baseballers Battle for Coveted Roster Spots

After two months of training, the St. Paul Baseball coaches have been asking themselves: who has what it takes? Recently, St. Paulʼs baseball team began sorting through recruits as tryouts began on September 26th. The Swordsmen immediately got to work to see whoʼs "making it to the big leagues" and will represent the team on either Varsity or Junior Varsity in the spring season.

Players were amped up for the tryouts, while also appearing a bit nervous to impress the coaches with their baseball skills. Coach RJ and Coach Lan were even more eager to see the player showcase that was fall tryouts; itʼs their position to trim the recruits into a final roster prior to the team's first clash: an away game against La Sierra on February 15th.

Well done to the players who survived cuts, securing a spot on the team! Coach Lan and Coach RJ finalized their decision on September 30th for who will be wearing the “SP” on their baseball helmet come springtime! While Varsity will be announced closer to the seasonʼs start, the players were relieved but also determined to prove to the coaches that they made the right decision.

First-year catcher Albert Lazo was especially grateful for the coaches throughout the selection process: “I believe the coaches helped us and guided us throughout our tryouts,” he said after making the team cuts. Fellow freshman and second baseman, David Munoz, was feeling particularly dialed in when he got the call-up: “The grind doesn't take days off, so why should we?”

With a new crop of freshmen poised to make some noise in the race for varsity, both new and returning players trust and believe that the coaches can lead them through the offseason in preparation for February ball. Albert stated that many players shared a similar sentiment for the offseason now that cuts have concluded: “I believe we all did good but we all have room for improvement.”

With every pitch, catch, and swing, the baseball swordsmen continue to improve their skills on the field in the current stretch of offseason training; now, we will have to be patient alongside them to see how the ballplayers perform come the scuffle against La Sierra on February 15th. Pressure makes diamonds.