Culver Community Upcoming Baseball Season

By: Ashton Macedonio

The Culver Community High School baseball season is around the corner and there are a lot of things to be looking forward to in the upcoming season. 

The Cavalier baseball team has faced many challenges in the past, such as losing streaks and lack of motivation. However, with the introduction of a new coach, this team is excited for a fresh start and renewed sense of hope. Coach Mike Pazin, brings with him new ideas, strategies, and a fresh perspective that could turn the team’s fortunes around. 

“I think the introduction of the new coach is a good idea. We needed to get a new pair of eyes on us to help us out. I believe he is here to help us get better,” said senior Owen Falk. 

“I think Coach Pazin will bring in a new style of baseball and a new perspective which will benefit the team,” said freshman Jonas McCuen.

This season has started with the boy’s baseball team practicing with the middle school team on a regular basis. On one hand, practicing with a middle school baseball team can provide a great opportunity for high school baseball players to showcase their leadership skills and serve as positive role models for younger athletes. It can also help build team camaraderie between the age groups and motivate middle schoolers to improve their skills. Additionally, it can be beneficial for the high school team to engage in drills and practices with younger, less skilled players in order to improve their own fundamentals.

On the other hand players can feel, practicing with the younger team may not be challenging enough for the high school players, potentially leading to wasted practice time and stale performances. 

“Honestly, I don’t understand why we practice with the middle schoolers. I was never told the real reason why we practice with them. There is a little league field next to the high school field. The middle school softball girls don’t practice with the high school girls outside; they practice on the old t-ball field,” said junior Hayden Parker.

The boys have also been doing a lot more batting practice than in years past. Practicing batting more often can have a positive impact on a high school baseball team’s performance. The repetition of swinging the bat and making contact with the ball enhances muscle memory, leading to better technique and accuracy in hitting. Additionally, increased batting practice can improve a player’s timing and reaction time, making it easier for them to hit the ball at the right moment during a game. Regular batting practice can build confidence and reduce anxiety in players, enabling them to have a more relaxed and focused approach at the plate. Overall, incorporating more batting practice can help this Cavalier baseball team reach their potential and achieve success on the field.

Despite lackluster seasons in years past, the players expect improvement in themselves and their teammates. They are hoping these improvements can see them achieve both their personal and team goals this season.

“Some of my personal goals for this season are to become a better pitcher and not make as many mistakes. Some teams goals I would say are we want to start winning more games. With the new coach, I believe we can,” said senior Owen Falk.

“My goal for the team this season is to make it to the sectional championship game and hopefully win it,” said freshman Caleb McCuen.