Feature Photo By: Katiana Williams – Last seasons picture shows the ten players who graduated last year. Many say this is a new season which means it’s the start of a new team.
This season Rangeview’s boys baseball team has 5 returning varsity players from last season, the boys had 10 seniors graduate from the team.
With a record of 5-14 last year, many players on the boys baseball team are hoping for a better year.
This will be Rick Spriggs’ third season as the head coach, over the past two seasons the team has had an overall record of 15-21.
“I really do think that this season we can compete for the league championship,” said Coach Spriggs.
The front runners for the EMAC league championship is usually Prairie View and Brighton. Last year the boys baseball team lost to both Prairie View (12-0) and Brighton (12-6).
“Last year the captains that we had kind of just gave up midway through the season and I think that influenced the team a lot,” Spriggs said.
Coach Spriggs stated that the captains and leaders on the team this year will definitely influence a driving force to help them compete.
Among one of those captains is Senior Carlos Benavides who already signed his intent to play with Concordia University in Nebraska.
Although, he is already committed he doesn’t think it will effect the way he plays, Benavides said, “I still want to go out there and give it my all and have fun. I don’t think being committed will change that.”
Benavides is the varsity’s starting third baseman and he also pitches.
“I want to do what’s best for the team and give us the best chance at winning every game this year,” said Benavides.
This year the team has a total of 24 games compared to their 19 last year and many incoming varsity players say that they’re ready to compete.
“I’m excited to be competing at a higher level and I think that I’m ready for it, I’ve been practicing with them since the spring so I’m ready for it,” said junior Gabe Muniz.
Their first game is on Saturday, March 9th against Denver South who they beat last year 16-9.
To prepare, they have been practicing inside the gym doing little things such as hitting stations for batting practice, trying to set up some bunting coverage, and pitching and catching practice. On top of that, pitchers and catchers have been coming in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school to try and get even more work in.
The team has been able to go outside about two times this season due to weather conditions, — many say that it sucks– but it won’t affect their game too much.
To see their schedule, click here.
