As the new baseball season approaches, all eyes are on the Leominster High School team. With an impressive track record of success, this team is gearing up to compete for more championships and prepare their players for both baseball and life. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Richard Barnaby about the team's top returning players, new additions, leadership, and plans for the upcoming season.
When asked about the team's top returning players, Coach Barnaby highlighted two standout players from last season. One of them is Reece Lora, a four-year starter and left-handed pitcher. Lora has been a key player for the team in the past two years and has been selected as 1st team all-league. He will continue his baseball career next year at Worcester State University.
The other returning player to watch out for is Mark Garner, a junior with elite batting skills. Despite being uncommitted, Garner has the potential to play at the Division 1 level and was selected as 1st team all-league as a sophomore. Coach Barnaby believes that both Lora and Garner will be crucial to the team's success this season.
Coach Barnaby also shared his thoughts on the new players who will make an immediate impact on the team. He mentioned Reece's younger brother, Rico Lora, who is a freshman with Division 1 potential. Rico will get some pitching opportunities this season and is expected to contribute significantly to the team's success.
When asked about the qualities he looks for in potential team captains, Coach Barnaby emphasized kindness, relentlessness, selflessness, and having no excuses. He also shared that Richie Barnaby, a sophomore infielder, and Rico Lora are both potential captains or players who are battling for that role. Richie is known for his high baseball IQ and relentless work ethic, while Rico's potential on the mound and as a leader makes him a strong candidate for the role of captain.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for any successful team, and Coach Barnaby is well aware of this. He believes that it is important for the upperclassmen to act as captains and model the qualities of a good teammate. With a mix of natural leaders and players who need guidance, Coach Barnaby expects all of his upperclassmen to embody the team's values and set an example for the younger players.
Motivation plays a significant role in pushing players to reach their full potential. Coach Barnaby shared that they use chalk talk sessions at the beginning of the season to model what it means to be a good teammate and to demonstrate good teamwork. This helps in setting the tone for the season and motivating players to give their best on and off the field.
As with any sport, preparing for a new season comes with its own set of challenges. For Coach Barnaby and the Leominster High School team, one of the biggest challenges is getting enough reps for players to make roster decisions. With limited outdoor practice time in the Northeast, the team has to make the most of their indoor training sessions to evaluate players and make lineup decisions.
The team's schedule this season is tough, with games against strong opponents such as Central Catholic, Springfield Central, and Wachusett. These teams have been in the Division I final four in the past four years, making them formidable opponents for Leominster High School. Coach Barnaby and his team are looking forward to these challenging games and the opportunity to showcase their skills against top competition.
For Coach Barnaby, coaching is a continuous learning process, and he is always striving to improve as a coach every year. He believes that it is essential to adapt to different players and teams and tailor his coaching style to fit their needs. This season, his team will have a difficult schedule, and he plans on pushing them to their limits to help them reach their full potential.
While physical training and skills are crucial in baseball, the mental aspect of the game is just as important. Coach Barnaby understands this and works to prepare his players for the challenges they may face on and off the field. He believes that baseball is a game of failure, and it is essential to teach players how to deal with adversity and pressure to perform at the varsity level.
With a dedicated trainer at their school, the Leominster High School baseball team has access to offseason and in-season lifting programs to help them stay in top physical shape. This not only helps improve their performance on the field but also reduces the risk of injuries.
Every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and Leominster High School is no exception. According to Coach Barnaby, the team's main strength is their determination to win championships and their commitment to preparing players for baseball and life. However, with a tough schedule and tight races for positions, the team's biggest weakness is getting enough reps for players to make lineup decisions. Coach Barnaby plans on addressing this challenge by holding players accountable for their goals and implementing a plan to help them achieve those goals.
In conclusion, the Leominster High School baseball team is set to have an exciting and challenging season. With top returning players, strong leadership potential, and a dedicated coach, this team is well-equipped to compete for championships and prepare their players for success both on and off the field. As they continue to work hard and improve, we can expect great things from them in the upcoming season.
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