After a long wait baseball is finally here. The students and athletic director have been trying their hardest to have a baseball team, and though it’s now a club, the hope is it will be a PSAL team in the future.
Three years ago the school tried to start a baseball club, but unfortunately due to the poor turnout, it was canceled.
“After the club failed the first time, it’s nice to know they are trying again, and I hope it works out this time,” said senior Christopher Gallo.
Mr. Neglia, the gym teacher at the time, began the club, and now Athletic Director and physical education teacher, Mr. Dennis Barrett, has stepped up to the plate and will be coaching the boys.
“I hope to compete as a PSAL team, and if PSAL does not approve the team, then I hope to have a successful club team,” said Mr. Barrett.
In order for a team to be approved, the coach must first send a letter to PSAL explaining why they are interested. Next, PSAL conducts a thirty minute interview with the athletic director. After that, the athletic director must make sure that there are enough students interested, the school has a regulation field, and there is a qualified coaching staff.
“I played since I was seven for SI Mudcats, New Springville little league, and SI Titans. I play outfield, shortstop, third base, or even pitcher,” said freshman Brandon O’keefe.
Along with trying to become PSAL the boys face another problem.
“The problem is finding a field that we can practice on. Drills and batting practice is limited on the turf field,” said Mr. Barrett.
Yet finding a field doesn’t seem to be stopping the boys from doing what they love.
“We practice fielding, hitting, pitching, and ground balls,” said sophomore Jonathan Wahnon.
The efforts and high hopes the club has will hopefully lead to a PSAL team.
“I played baseball for a long time, and if we get a team, I think we will be good. We have a good coach, and we will do well in the season,” said sophomore Lennie Giordano.
Though many of the twenty-six players, consisting mostly of freshmen and sophomores, have played for a long time, some are eager to start a new sport.
“I never really played before and I hope to learn how to pitch and just become a good player,” said freshman Joseph Ojo.
Anyone is welcome to join the team. Stop by Mr. Barrett’s office in room 152 after school for more information on practices, which will be held every Wednesday and Friday for 2 hours.
