With each spring season comes more baseball, this year transpires no different and will serve to be a compelling course of challenges and aspirations along the way to triumphant realms of reality.
Second year varsity letterman and junior Tyler Hubbard has had to change himself physically and mentally in hopes of earning his stripes.
To adhere to the team rule against having facial hair, on March 7 Hubbard had to make the biggest trade of his young life so far, by picking up the clippers and trimming what he calls the “The Crumb Duster.”
“Despite all the rigorous and grueling practices, nothing served to be more mentally and physically straining than removing my beard,” Hubbard said. “ But it had to be done for the betterment of the team.”
Hubbard, who plays infield, says he has prepared himself for the season by improving his swing speed and breathing techniques through the help of another sport.
“During the winter, I have been no stranger to the local golf course Covered Bridge,” Hubbard said. “Through consistent playing of golf, I find that I am more relaxed and reliable at the plate.”
Hubbard is looking to make waves off of that hard work and preparation this season.
“My goal for this season is to win state and celebrate with my teammates,” Hubbard said. “I want our team to build a legacy that lasts a lifetime.”
In addition to Hubbard, third-year varsity letterman Kadin Bush has been hard at work in hopes of a fantastic season.
“Night in and night out this winter, me and my teammates grinded continuously at the local lumberyard,” Bush said.
At a mere cost of only $80 per month per person, Bush gets unlimited use to said hometown batting cage.
“I love taking advantage of the ‘Hit Trax’ the cage offers and using it to my benefit to improve my performance in a game, “ Bush said. “Additionally, those who don’t prefer the $80 a month, can pay $600 annually or $25 for the day pass, leaving there to be an option for anyone who loves baseball.”
From a different perspective, lanky long-arm hurler and third year letterman, junior Tyler McMillen is zoned in and focused for the upcoming season.
“With official practices starting March 11, the team is ready to get locked in and down to business, “ McMillen said. “ I am looking forward to a season of prosperity with hopes of nobody getting seriously injured along the way.”
McMillen takes in every pitch at the mound.
“I’ve always modeled my game on legendary MLB pitcher Jumbo Diaz for his dashing curve ball and forceful forkball,” McMillen said.
This season, McMillen has no limit to what he wants to accomplish.
“I see this team advancing farther than any team in the franchise’s history,” McMillen said.
The team’s first game is a scrimmage vs Jeffersonville on March 20th at the Devils field.