Approximately only 30 out of the 50 or so players competing for a roster spot will make it onto LBCC’s official baseball team for the upcoming season.
LBCC head baseball coach Casey Crook says that the most motivating factor is trying to make the team this season and do the best they can to prove themselves to the coaches each practice.
“It’s very difficult and never pleasant to have to cut someone from the team,” said Crook.
In the fall, the baseball team participates in fall scrimmages, which is the time players can really show off their talent and prove to the coaches why they deserve to be on the team in the spring.
During these scrimmages they don’t keep score or keep any sort of stats. The games are opportunities for players to get the repetition and get the feel for the game, Crook explained.
Sophomore third baseman Ryan Geck touched on the importance of teamwork.
“As a team, as a whole, getting better at one thing every single day. We have a really talented team this year. I can already see that and I think we have a chance to do something special,” said Geck.
During these off season practices players are divided into groups to work on pitching in the bullpen, base running drills, and more.
Sophomore right handed pitcher Brian Pham is one of the players that dedicates his own time to working on getting better.
“Off the field, I typically spend about two hours on my own everyday just working on whether it’s mechanics or working out,” said Pham.
LBCC’s baseball team strength and conditioning is spearheaded by coach Ken Furuya who trains and pushes them to reach their full potential for the upcoming season.
Both coaches and players share a common goal for the season: winning big.
With a roster brimming with talent and a collective belief in their capabilities, the LBCC baseball team is gearing up for a season they hope will accumulate in championship glory.
The dedication and hard work put in during these challenging off-season months serve as the foundation for their quest to achieve greatness on the field.
