This season marks the beginning of a new era for the baseball team, with a brand-new coaching staff. Head Coach Jack McCann leads the team, joined by Coach Dylan Bittle, the pitching coach, and assistant coaches Armstrong and Pris. However, the team’s goal remains the same: to win the Inter-Ac League and the state championship.
The coaching staff changeover has not deterred the team.
“The camaraderie and vibes have still been very strong,” Sixth Former Zac Fuscaldo said. “I think that the players like Coach McCann a lot, and I believe that he has also done an excellent job in finding his assistant coaches.”
Sixth Former Kevin Li agrees, praising Coach McCann’s practice style. “Everyone likes him,” Li said. “His practices are fast-paced, and he ensures that everyone is doing something at all times.”
“He makes sure that there is a ton of energy. The practices have had a lot of moving parts, which keep us active,” Fuscaldo said.
McCann has also focused on challenging the players physically and mentally in practice so that game days are less difficult.
“I am very confident in the players and coaches that we have, and I am excited for the season.”
Zac Fuscaldo ’25
The team embodies a strong “next man up” mentality as it deals with injuries and the loss of the Sixth Formers who graduated last year. Players such as Sixth Former Brenner Green and Fifth Former Gabe Danisi are currently injured, but other players have moved up to new and greater roles. Additionally, with the graduation of key pitchers such as Kevin Reavey ’24 and Frederick Jordan ’24, every player must step up.
“Everyone on the team is a key player,” Fuscaldo said. “It will be on every single player to step up and be the best version of themselves, especially those who did not play much last year.”
Reflecting on the 2024 season, the team hopes to accomplish even more. The team had a great regular season but lost in the state semifinals in a walkoff.
“The moment still sits in a lot of our heads, especially in the seniors, so the team is hungry to get back on the diamond,” Li said.
“I am very confident in the players and coaches that we have, and I am excited for the season,” Fuscaldo said. “We have a positive outlook for the season and we are confident that we can accomplish our goals.”
The camaraderie, culture, and bond shared by the team both on and off the field set them apart from their competitors.
“The culture of the team was strong in the past, and it’ll only get stronger as we spend more time together,” Fuscaldo said. “The coaches have already integrated into our team’s culture, and it feels amazing to be a part of this team.”
With such ambitious goals, players rely on each other to be consistent in their efforts. “We don’t want to let each other down. We feel a duty to support our brothers each and every day,” Li said.
The team’s camaraderie, dedicated coaching staff, and motivation will lead to an exciting 2025 season.
The team will typically play three games a week this year, making for a busy schedule.
“The game against Malvern is one that we always look forward to, but every league game is important,” Fuscaldo said.
On other days, the team practices on the field from 3:30-5:30 and occasionally has optional lifting sessions afterward. Practices consist of individual defense, team defense, and batting work.
The team’s camaraderie, dedicated coaching staff, and motivation will lead to an exciting 2025 season.