Despite their stellar 23-7 season in 2011, the Red Devil baseball team didn’t make it as far in the postseason tournament as they were hoping to. After winning sectionals for the first time in five years, they lost to the previous defending state champion, Andrean, in the first round of regionals. This year, nine seniors return as they hope to fulfill some high expectations.

Only three seniors from last year’s team graduated, so all but one starting lineup position remain open. With nine seniors, there is already a lot of experience going into the season. “We return eight starters from a team that went 23-7, so we’re hoping to win conference and repeat as sectional champs,” said Mr. Strode, who is in his fourth year as head coach of the Red Devils.

Because many of the players don’t participate in a winter sport, they have put in a lot of work in preparation for the season. Many also play on travel teams in the summer and fall, and some seniors even hope to continue their careers after high school.

Aside from the team’s experience, there is great leadership for the underclassmen. “All of the seniors love the game and really work hard to make their senior year something to remember. Their great work ethic rubs off on the entire team,” commented junior Brian Bangs.

All the players get along well off the field, adding to the team dynamic onfield. Senior pitcher Brian Ghiselli “likes the music and pregame warmups”, and they plan to keep the “Love is Gone” tradition going, in which the whole team participates in singing the David Guetta song during the middle of the fourth inning.

With a solid group of seniors, experience, and leadership, the baseball team shows promise for the 2012 season. Their season opens tonight at home versus McCutcheon beginning at 5:00.