Shifting towards spring season, the Coral Gables baseball team embarks on their preseason preparations for their upcoming season. Practice began to escalate following winter break, as the team had the month of January to regroup and reestablish their team coordination.
Gathering at the diamond every week day after school, the team meets at 2:45 to undergo their daily warmups. Players take a quick jog towards the surrounding fence followed by five line of dynamic streches which include lunges, high knees, butt kickers, karaokes etc. After warming up with the team, athletes begin to stretch their arms individually to loosen up before practice unfolds.
Depending on the day, practices may vary between defensive conditioning, batting practices or skill plays. Defensive practices require the whole team to be working together as coaches intrust them over possibilites of plays which may occur during game time. Each player takes their position learning where to be on the field during different scenarios whether it be the pitcher assisting a teammate or the second base man protecting the bag when the runner steals a base.
“We practice how we play because we believe if we go hard in practice we will succeed in games. I play third base, and the coaches help me with my specific repetitions, so that when it comes to the game, its natural. I’m looking forward to playing Miami High and Columbus because we will most likely face them in the districts finals,” junior Brian Santana said.
During batting practices, many players work on their swing adjusting to the variety of pitches they might encounter from other pitchers. Working on swing mechanics and hand eye coordination skills, each individual has a chance to continue to perfect their swing. The pitchers of the team also use this time to practice their pitches with coaches in the bullpen.
“As pitchers, we do drills to work on our fundamentals and different mechanics to improve our power. We use bands and other conditioning items to help prevent injury. Practice is mostly for repetition for what games will be like to help us prepare for any scenario,” sophomore Daniel Valero said.
Pitchers are an essential asset to every baseball team and require time to learn their unique skills for the game. Coaches work with many pitchers, teaching them a variety of pitches to utilize during different situations and players to gain an edge over their opponents. The positioning of the ball as it reaches the catchers mitt is also emphasized, as both the catcher and the pitcher need to create a connection in order to generate more strikes.
“Each practice goes over the basics to get ready for the next game. I’m a pitcher and have my own routine where I tend to go a little lighter than others before practice to keep my arm in shape for pitching. I think we just need to come together with all the guys and I know we can a have really great season,” junior Alex Prichett said.
On occasion, the team takes the time to practice scenarios take may occur during games, such as stolen bases and rundowns. The execution of these specific plays can determine key moments tipping the favor to either team. Coaches and players have fun practicing these plays, creating a deeper team bond through these entertaining activities.
“Im looking forward to improve from my performance last season where I didn’t perform my best. Playing Columbus in the districts final is another thing I’m excited for, to have a chance to take the district championship away from them. We plan on acheiving these goals by practicing and competing with each other to make our team better,” senior Miguel Castellanos said.
The constant conditioning and essential skills utilized in games continue to be demonstrated as the baseball season nears its debut. Facing an eager opponent in Palmer Trinity to jumpstart their season, the Gables baseball team hopes to start off with a victory as they prepare for the games that await them.
