As the new season approaches, the Randallstown High School baseball team is gearing up to make a statement on the field. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, competitiveness, and ultimately winning a state championship, Head Coach Marc Stevens has high hopes for his team this year. In a recent interview, Coach Stevens shared his insights into the team's top returning players, new additions, leadership, and goals for the upcoming season.
One of the biggest strengths of the team this year is their top returning players from last season. These players have proven themselves on the field and have continued to work hard in the off-season to improve their skills. Among the top returning players are Antuan Oliver, a senior shortstop and pitcher who was an all-county player in his 10th-grade year, and Elijah Lee, a senior outfielder and pitcher who was the team's MVP and an all-county player last season.
Joshua White, a senior infielder, and pitcher who has committed to CCBC, and Terence Venable, a senior outfielder and pitcher, are also expected to make a significant impact on the team this year. Additionally, seniors Keith McKnight (catcher and pitcher) and Chris McLeod (outfielder) are returning players who will bring valuable experience and leadership to the team.
Coach Stevens also highlighted the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie in the success of the team. He believes that the ability to lead by example and be accountable is crucial in building a strong team dynamic. In terms of leadership, senior players Chris McLeod and Chris Ross have been chosen as team captains, and Coach Stevens has high expectations for their ability to motivate and guide their teammates.
When asked about motivating his players to reach their full potential, Coach Stevens emphasized the importance of consistency. By staying true to their routine and continuously teaching the game and its nuances, he believes that the players will be motivated to push themselves and improve. However, he also acknowledges that the biggest challenge in preparing for the season is getting the players to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Looking at the team's schedule for the upcoming season, Coach Stevens is excited about some new opponents, including Old Mill High School and a game in New Jersey. He believes that these tough opponents will provide a great opportunity for his team to showcase their skills and improve as a unit.
When it comes to his coaching style, Coach Stevens believes in coaching the team he has, rather than the team he wants. He understands the importance of adapting to the players' strengths and weaknesses and tailoring his coaching style accordingly. This approach has proven to be successful in the past, and he plans to continue with it this season.
In terms of the mental aspect of the game, Coach Stevens believes it is an essential aspect of the team's success. He understands that baseball is a cerebral game and that a player's mindset can greatly affect their performance on the field. Therefore, he encourages his players to stay mentally prepared and focused throughout the season.
Heading into the new season, Coach Stevens and his coaching staff have implemented some changes and improvements to the team's training and conditioning program. With a more rigorous off-season conditioning program and a focus on attention to detail, the team is expected to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
In terms of strengths and weaknesses, Coach Stevens acknowledges that the team is athletic and has depth in pitching. However, there is a need to improve in some defensive positions. To address this, the coaching staff has put a strong emphasis on defense in their training and is confident that the players will continue to improve in this area throughout the season.
Overall, Coach Stevens' coaching philosophy is centered around continuous improvement and attention to detail. He believes that by focusing on the little things and pushing his players to get 1% better every day, the team will have a strong chance at competing for a state championship. With a talented group of players and a dedicated coaching staff, the Randallstown High School baseball team is poised for a successful season.
Share With