Baseball
Boomer Elmsdale
Fri, February 16, 2024 at 12:02 PM
As the baseball season approaches, Arvin High School is gearing up for what could be another successful year for their team. With the return of some talented players and the addition of promising new players, the team is setting their sights on achieving big goals this season. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Eddie Lopez about the team and get a glimpse of what fans can expect from the team this year. Coach Lopez shared that there are several top returning players from last season who will play key roles for the team this year. Jesus Aguilar, a 4-year varsity player, will lead the pitching staff as the #1 starter for the third consecutive year. His experience and skill on the mound make him a valuable asset to the team. Mateo Alvarez, also a 4-year varsity player, will be the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter. Coach Lopez credits his transition from catcher to shortstop last season as a major factor in the team's success. Jorge Parra, a 3-year varsity player, will continue to be a strong offensive and defensive player at 3rd base and on the mound. Sophomore Roy Rosales, who made a name for himself as a clutch pitcher in last year's playoffs, also returns this year to make an impact on the team. Coach Lopez also highlighted the importance of team captains and their qualities. He mentioned that the coaching staff doesn't appoint captains, but instead allows the players to gravitate towards leaders on the team. This year, Jorge Parra, Jesus Aguilar, and Mateo Alvarez are seen as potential leaders for the team. One question that often arises in sports is how to build team chemistry and camaraderie. Coach Lopez mentioned that this year's team seems to have a good chemistry, possibly due to the fact that many of the players spend time together off the field. This sense of camaraderie and brotherhood is something the coaching staff encourages and believes is essential for the success of the team. When it comes to motivating players to reach their full potential, Coach Lopez shared that it's important to lead by example and let the players know that the coaching staff is there to support them. But at the end of the day, it ultimately comes down to the players' own dedication and hard work. The team's success also depends on healthy competition amongst the players for playing time, which the coaching staff encourages.