As the new season approaches, the Morristown Beard High School baseball team is gearing up for what looks to be a promising year. Coach John Sheppard is confident in his team's abilities and is excited to see how they will perform on the field. In a recent interview, Coach Sheppard shared his thoughts on the team's strengths and weaknesses, as well as his coaching style and expectations for the upcoming season.
One of the team's biggest strengths this year will be their returning players. Coach Sheppard is relying on these experienced players to lead the team to success. Some of the top returning players from last season include Sam Cherins, Josh Greenwood, Chase Zaikov, John Cartaina, and AJ Rodriguez. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and leadership qualities to the team.
Sam Cherins, who plays catcher, is a great leader and has a deep understanding of the strike zone. His disciplined approach at the plate makes him a valuable asset to the team. Josh Greenwood, a left-handed pitcher and first baseman, is known for his ability to attack the strike zone and go deep into games. Chase Zaikov, a right-handed pitcher and infielder, has shown great command of his pitches and has the power to hit for extra bases.
John Cartaina, a right-handed pitcher and infielder, is a dominant force on the mound and a reliable RBI man. AJ Rodriguez, an outfielder, brings speed and strong defensive skills to the team, making him a key player in both the outfield and on the base paths.
In addition to these returning players, Coach Sheppard is also excited about the new players who will make an immediate impact on the team. These players include Sam Cherins, Josh Greenwood, Chase Zaikov, John Cartaina, and AJ Rodriguez. These players have been working hard to earn their spot on the team and have already shown their potential to contribute to the team's success.
When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Sheppard looks for players who possess leadership qualities and can create a positive team culture. Instead of having traditional team captains, Morristown Beard High School has a leadership council made up of two players from each grade. This allows for a diverse group of leaders who can bring different perspectives and ideas to the team. Coach Sheppard believes in creating leaders, not followers, and encourages players with leadership skills to step up and take on this responsibility.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for any successful team, and Coach Sheppard understands the importance of building a strong bond among his players. He believes in giving players a sense of ownership and responsibility, which is why he involves the leadership council in creating the team culture and setting expectations. By allowing players to have a say in the team's culture, it helps to foster a positive and supportive environment.
To motivate his players to reach their full potential, Coach Sheppard relies on team leaders to create a culture of hard work and dedication. He believes that players will respond better to their peers' expectations rather than just the coaches. This approach also helps to build trust and camaraderie within the team.
As with any season, there are challenges that the team must overcome. For Morristown Beard High School, the biggest challenge this year is the short preseason and getting pitch counts up to start the season. However, Coach Sheppard is confident that his team will work hard and be prepared for the start of the season.
The team's schedule for this season is challenging, as their conference is competitive. Coach Sheppard believes that playing against tough opponents will only make his team stronger and better prepared for important games.
Coach Sheppard's coaching style this year remains consistent with his philosophy of creating leaders and promoting a positive team culture. However, he hopes to improve on the team's slow start from previous seasons and set the tone for a successful year.
In terms of training and conditioning, Coach Sheppard recognizes the importance of the mental aspect of the game. He encourages open communication and feedback from his players to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for each game.
As for the team's strengths and weaknesses, Coach Sheppard believes that it is too early to determine. He wants to see how the team performs in the first few games before making any judgments. However, he is confident that the team will build on their strengths and work to improve any weaknesses throughout the season.
In conclusion, the Morristown Beard High School baseball team is ready to compete and improve throughout the season. With a strong group of returning players and new additions who are eager to make an impact, Coach Sheppard is hopeful for a successful year.
His coaching philosophy of creating leaders and promoting a positive team culture is evident in the team's gameplay, and he is determined to see his team reach their full potential. As the season begins, all eyes will be on the Morristown Beard High School baseball team to see how they will perform on the field.
Share With