As the snow melts and the days become longer, the start of spring brings strong anticipation, excitement, and energy that can be felt in the long-awaited beginning of the John Jay baseball season! Last year, the Wolves made it to the Section 1 semifinals after, finishing with a record of 14-8. After a devastating 2-1 loss in the semis last year against Nanuet, the team is eager and ready to get back on the field.
The offseason was spent working hard to improve strength, speed, fitness, and skills on the field as well as becoming closer as a team. “I think we have a very strong bond and great team chemistry that not many teams can say they have”, Senior Ryan Valdes says. “A lot of guys on this team have been playing baseball together since elementary school and that has made us incredibly tight on and off the field. This is our last ride together and we want to go out on top and win the section, so we have a lifelong memory together.”
Confidence is at an all-time high, both individually and for the team. The Wolves feel more connected than ever and are ready to give whatever it takes to make it far this season. After last year’s disappointing semifinal, the team is hungry for revenge and are spending countless hours perfecting their game. One player in particular, senior pitcher Mitchell Hammer has been working hard in and out of practice. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, Hammer is making his return as a key player on the team’s roster. He is excited to be a part of such an incredible squad and he believes this team is built for success. Hammer believes the Wolves have “one the best pitching staffs and a very balanced lineup”. Hammer is ready to get back into the game and is excited to see what the team is capable of this season.
One thing that makes this team especially favorable is their work ethic. Countless hours are spent in the gym working on building their strength and their overall fitness. They get together early in the morning before school to practice and refine their techniques, pushing each other to improve every day. Players meet with specialty coaches to sharpen individual skills that bring the whole team together.
This season the team will also head down to Arizona Diamondback facility in Phoenix. While there, they fine-tune their game while taking advantage of the warmer weather. The 3-day trip consists of scrimmages, watching minor league games, and team bonding. It’s a great experience and helps the team come together and get stronger as a whole.
As the season approaches, players are gearing up for the challenges ahead. The move to Class AA is sure to present some difficulties, but this team is ready. Despite the promotion, first baseman Nolan Rhodes is still confident in the squad. “With all of the individual improvements and progress so many of our players have made this offseason, I have no doubts that we can compete at this higher level. As a senior, I am hoping to take on a leadership role, I am planning on guiding our younger players to be the best they can be, on and off the field, just as seniors in previous years had done for me.” The team’s hashtag, #WhateverItTakes, perfectly represents their determination to push through any challenges they may face this season. There’s no doubt that this is one of the strongest teams John Jay has seen in recent years. The hours put in by everyone on the team are sure to pay off throughout the spring, and everyone is excited to see what they will do. With their hard work, dedication, and unity, the team is ready to prove that they can go all the way this season, starting March 29th against storied rivals Fox Lane.
