Baseball
Boomer Elmsdale
Tue, February 20, 2024 at 04:02 AM
As the new season approaches, Coach Eddie Escandon shares insights into the aspirations, challenges, and strategies of La Canada High School's baseball team. With a focus on excellence both on and off the field, Coach Escandon emphasizes the team's commitment to building a legacy of success, resilience, and camaraderie. The team's overarching goal is clear: to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives, including academics, community involvement, and, of course, baseball. This season, they aim to secure a playoff berth and compete for the league title by focusing on the fundamentals, controlling what they can, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Key returning players such as Will Park and Leon Chen bring their unique strengths to the team. Will's composure and calmness under pressure, combined with Leon's strong batting and adaptability, make them invaluable assets on the field. Additionally, newcomers like Flynn Lewis, Joe Bell, Austin Laughrin, and Seth Larsen are expected to make immediate impacts with their skills and dedication. Leadership is essential, and Will Park exemplifies the qualities Coach Escandon looks for in a team captain: humility, confidence, and a quiet strength. Under Will's guidance, the team aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every member feels valued and connected. Team chemistry and camaraderie are cultivated through various activities, including group outings, team dinners, and friendly competitions. By emphasizing teamwork, communication, and mutual support, Coach Escandon strengthens the bond among teammates both on and off the field. Motivating players to reach their full potential requires a combination of positive reinforcement, individual goal setting, and leading by example. Coach Escandon challenges his players to constantly strive for excellence and empowers them to learn from failures and grow as individuals and athletes. Preparing for the season comes with its challenges, including roster changes, but Coach Escandon sees these as opportunities for young players to step up and shine. The team's schedule features tough opponents, but they approach each game with humility and determination, focusing on playing their best and respecting their opponents. This season brings a shift in coaching style, with Coach Escandon emphasizing empowerment, adaptability, and a competitive drive. By instilling confidence and resilience in his players, he aims to create a team that thrives under pressure and embraces challenges head-on. Mental toughness is paramount, and Coach Escandon prioritizes mindfulness and mental conditioning to help players overcome adversity and perform at their best. Having fun and staying loose in high-pressure situations are key principles he instills in his team. Training and conditioning are essential components of the team's preparation, with a focus on developing strong, explosive athletes through regular weight training and fitness sessions. Identifying the team's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for improvement. La Canada High School's baseball team prides itself on its camaraderie, resilience, and fearlessness in big moments. Coach Escandon plans to build on these strengths while addressing weaknesses through focused training and strategic adjustments. Coach Escandon's coaching philosophy centers on empowering players to reach their fullest potential while fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. He emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement both on and off the field. As the season unfolds, Coach Escandon keeps some strategies close to his chest, preferring to keep opponents guessing. However, he underscores the importance of communication in executing plays effectively and maintaining cohesion as a team. Balancing academics and sports is a priority for Coach Escandon, who stresses the importance of responsibility and discipline in both realms. Academic success lays the foundation for long-term success, and he encourages players to approach their studies with the same dedication as their athletic pursuits. In closing, Coach Escandon expresses gratitude to the fans and supporters who stand behind the team. Their unwavering support is the driving force behind the team's success, and together, they aim to make this season legendary. #SpartanStrong