Captains’ practices have kicked off for the 2022–2023 baseball season. After the team’s success last year, highlighted by a state tournament appearance, Senior captain Stefano Giovannelli said he’s ready to get back together with the team.

“I’m just excited to be able to share the field with another group of great guys,” Giovannelli said. “We’ll be relying a lot on our defense just like last year.” 

Senior captain Andruw Vela said pre-season preparation sets them up for success during the season.

“We have some pre-season times where we hit and throw at max strength and some open throwing a couple mornings a week,” Vela said. “That’s important because they get us into the swing of things for the season before the season starts, and make sure that we start off on the best foot that we can, while building relationships early.”

According to senior captain Zack Helfmann, Park should be a team to watch for this upcoming season.

“If we can keep morale high and just play as a team, we are going to be able to surprise a lot of people,” Helfmann said. “Especially those who have already counted us out before, we’ll be the underdogs like always.”

Sophomore Ryan Moran said he’s excited for the season to begin. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with all my friends again and building a better family-type of community, ” Moran said. “I’m just excited to play and try to win as many games as we can.”

Vela said the team is prepared to continue their success from last season, despite the loss of many key players. 

“We definitely did lose some great talent in the seniors from last year, ” Vela said. “We’ve got a bunch of young guys who put in the time and effort and who, I have 100% confidence in, will be ready to pick up where we left off last year.”

Helfmann said Park’s young talent will also have to learn to be leaders.

“It’s going to be a challenge to get back to state, but it always is,“ Helfmann said. “I think it is going to allow some of those younger guys to step up into some more leadership positions.”

Moran said it’s good to take it slow preparing for the season after not playing for an extended period of time.

“Captains’ practices are important to mentally and physically prepare for the season, ” Moran said. “It’s also good to slowly get back into baseball if you didn’t play much in the off season.”

Captains’ practices have begun for baseball as they prepare for tryouts on March 20.