After a painful loss in the playoffs last season, senior captain Patrick Bordewick hopes for a better season under new leadership.
Bordewick said the hiring of a new coach this year will help the team surpass last year’s performance.
“We really liked coach (Jim Nun) last year but we didn’t really have that great of a season and we are hoping this year with our new coach might help us get on the right track,” Bordewick said.
Brian Kelly, the new varsity baseball coach, said he has coached in St. Louis Park for several years but moved up to varsity this year.
“I have been heavily involved in the youth program for three years in various coaching positions,” Kelly said.
Kelly said he emphasizes the need for teamwork, as opposed to individual performance.
“I want to focus on the whole team working together as a unit, focusing on what is best for the team instead of what is best for the player,” Kelly said.
Bordewick said because of the loss of players and the coaching changes, this year’s team will start from an almost clean slate.
“We graduated a lot of our team last year and now with the new coaching staff, it will be interesting to see how the year goes,” Bordewick said.
Kelly said when coaching, he always attempts to keep a positive energy.
“I would like the boys keep their chins up regardless of what the scoreboard says,” Kelly said. “Whether we’re up by 10 or down by 10, everybody on the bench and on the field should be involved and excited to play.”
According to Bordewick, the team can’t wait to work with Kelly.
“We all love him; we’ve known him for several years now and he really practices what he preaches,” Bordewick said.
Kelly said setting high goals for the season bolsters the team’s performance.
“If you are not going into the season hoping to win conference, you are doing a disservice to yourself and to your team,” Kelly said.
The team’s next game takes place at 7:00 p.m. April 28 at Dakota Park against Robbinsdale Cooper