As the new season approaches, Hilliard Bradley High School's baseball team is gearing up for another successful year. With a strong core of returning players and promising new additions, the team is determined to build upon their tournament success from last year and improve their league play. We sat down with Coach Dave Starling to get a preview of what's in store for the team this season.
The top returning players from last season include catcher Keaton Bowers, pitcher/first baseman Logan Minamyer, shortstop Vinny Navarro, center fielder Nick Barkhimer, third baseman Kierson Alexander, pitcher Nathan Chittum, catcher/designated hitter Bryan Nashalsky, pitcher Sam Wendel, pitcher/first baseman Jonathan Ritch, and outfielder Blake Furrow. These players bring a combination of talent, experience, and leadership to the team.
Coach Starling notes that catcher Keaton Bowers is a Naval Academy commit, which speaks to his dedication and skill on and off the field. Pitcher Connor Stubblefield, second baseman Braylon Orton, third baseman/designated hitter David Baird, outfielder Josh Brousil, outfielder Simon Custer, outfielder Wyatt Haines, first baseman Ben Owens, catcher Will Parsons, outfielder/pitcher Owen Risner, and outfielder Kotaro Tsunoda are also in the running for team captain, showing their commitment and potential for leadership.
When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Starling believes that it is essential for success. He looks for players with tremendous character and integrity who are able to motivate others. The team's captains for this year, Nick Barkhimer, Keaton Bowers, Logan Minamyer, and Vinny Navarro, are prime examples of this, and they will play a crucial role in fostering a positive team culture. Coach Starling also emphasizes the importance of players taking ownership of their team and caring for each other, which will ultimately lead to a strong and cohesive unit.
Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential is a crucial aspect of coaching, and Coach Starling believes that it is the players who establish team chemistry. As coaches, their job is to create a positive culture and provide guidance and support. With the team's strong leadership and camaraderie, they are already on the right track to reaching their full potential.
Preparing for the season has its own set of challenges, and Coach Starling acknowledges that every day is one less day they have to play this great game. This mindset encourages the players to make the most of each day and give their all in every practice and game. As for the team's schedule, Coach Starling acknowledges that every season brings its own challenges, and they must bring their "A game" every time they step onto the field. He also emphasizes the importance of moving on from mistakes and focusing on the next play or at-bat.
When it comes to Coach Starling's coaching style, he notes that it has stayed relatively consistent throughout his 36 years as a head coach. However, he does mention that he has become more patient over the years, which has positively impacted his players' development and growth. As for training and conditioning, the team's program has not changed significantly, but Coach Starling believes in constantly evaluating and making necessary improvements to ensure the players are in top physical shape.
The team's strengths lie in their leadership, defense, and overall camaraderie. However, Coach Starling notes that they need to improve their offensive production. To address this, the team will focus on building upon their strengths and working on their weaknesses. Coach Starling's coaching philosophy revolves around leadership and defense, and he believes that these two aspects will ultimately lead to success on the field. By emphasizing these qualities and constantly striving for improvement, the team will be well-equipped to face any challenges that come their way this season.
In conclusion, the Hilliard Bradley High School baseball team is poised for another successful season. With a strong core of returning players and dedicated new additions, along with a supportive and experienced coaching staff, the team is ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. With a focus on team chemistry, mental toughness, and continuous improvement, the team is well on its way to achieving its goals and making its mark in the league.
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