Baseball Season is Home

Aubree Pelon, Journalist|March 5, 2018

Varsity players jogging to the outfield to discuss the game with the coaches

Now that spring is started to arrive, so is America’s pastime. The 2018 baseball season has now begun for both JV and Varsity. The ecstatic, hard-working players and coaches are determined to win TVL and move on to playoffs this season.

Both teams are now in pre-season and will start their league games on March 2 vs Hughson at home.

Two underclassmen have been moved up to varsity, Brandon Rainer and Sean Mccann. The two were motivated their freshman year to give it their all in hopes of being moved up sophomore year.

“It had always been my goal to make varsity as a sophomore, and now that I have accomplished it, it feels very relieving and satisfying that I know I accomplished my goal,” Mccann states full of excitement for the season.

Just like all the sports here at Ripon High that include seniors, their last year playing is emotional. Being a part of a team for years and comprehending that this is the last time you’ll play with them is difficult. Especially for seniors such as Eric Jaquez who has played all four years of his high school career on varsity.

“It is honestly pretty depressing realizing this is my last season playing baseball because baseball has been such a big part of my life,” Jaquez states regarding his last season here.

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Playing high school sports takes much dedication, time and organization. You have to balance your schedule around the sport(s). The opportunities provided and memories made, however, are something athletes remember for life. Sports also help form individuals as a person, affecting and influencing their lives greatly.

“High School baseball has made me a stronger person. Being a freshman on varsity isn’t easy. All the upperclassmen normally hate you, so I think it has made me stronger and has definitely impacted my life,” Jaquez mentions.

The teams both have a strong bond with one another. This connection makes playing the sport a lot easier as they have had to learn to trust their team. Even the underclassmen, such as Mccann, feel very comfortable with the seniors and juniors on their days of playing with them.

“I don’t really fear anything, I am more just really excited for a great first season on varsity with a really great group of guys,” Mccann said confidently.

To help our boys not only win TVL, but encourage them to move onto playoffs, make sure you make it out to a game to support! Weather will soon enough become warmer which makes a perfect setting for enjoying a game of baseball.