The baseball season is approaching and many players have been putting in time and effort this winter to refine their skills. Whether it is getting stronger during Longhorn Power, or going to open gyms on Saturday mornings, the baseball team is preparing for the new season ahead.
“This off-season seems different than previous year. More players have been in the weight room during the week, and also there seems to be more camaraderie between the upper and lower classmen. Hopefully all the hard work and effort will turn our program in the right direction,” junior catcher Evan Shukers said.
Many of the players are battling it out in the weight room for the “Top Grinder” award. This award goes to the hardest working player in the offseason, who will receive a prize from head coach Tony McNabb.
“I think this award has helped get kids into the weight room. It has added a friendly competition to the team, that will transfer on to the playing field for starting positions,” junior outfielder Daniel Bickert said.
On Saturday mornings, the team holds optional open field practices for players expecting to play in the spring.
“At open fields we get a lot of good work in, especially if weather is good we can even go outside and get even more work in,” sophomore infielder Evan Stanley said.
Open fields consist of an hour of fielding practice and an hour of hitting indoors.
“With this being my first year at West, I am impressed with the format of the off season workouts. I really think open fields have helped bring us closer as a team. I am excited for the upcoming season,” freshman Trevor Abney said.
Tryouts begin March 2. The coaches are implementing condition based testing. This will include timed sprints, and other cardiovascular activities.
“Coaches will be able to tell who really put in the hard work and effort during the offseason with these new tests. This will show the coaches who is ready for varsity baseball,” sophomore Caleb Carswell said.
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