The high school baseball season is in full swing, and for the seniors on the HHS varsity team, it is their last time getting to compete for and be a part of the program. These seniors have been through a lot of changes during their high school careers, with fluctuating player numbers, coaching changes, and Rocktown High School being built. Despite the numerous hurdles these players have faced, they continue to show up for the team. Senior Gram Vass has played for the HHS baseball program longer than anyone else on the team. He has played for five years since his eighth grade year, and he has enjoyed this final season.
“I just like being a part of this group. It’s been one of my most favorite groups to just be a part of. I love coming to practice, coming to games because I know that I can be myself around them,” Vass said.
The chemistry of the team this year has been an element that a lot of these seniors have enjoyed for their final season. Senior Javier Molina, who is one of the captains of the team, especially enjoys the camaraderie of the team.
“We all click. All of us clicked with each other; we all really like each other. Even when we have JVs come up to varsity, we really enjoy each other’s presence,” Molina said.
Something new that has come with this season is the combined practices of the JV and varsity teams. Since the coaching staff numbers are limited and the number of players on each team is lower than in past years, both teams practice together. This collaboration between the two teams has benefited the season in senior Israel Cano’s eyes.
“I feel like it affected it in a good way because we’re helping the JV team improve [to be] better,” Cano said.
Besides the combination of both the JV and the varsity teams, some players value the diversity of the team as well. Senior Johan Feliz enjoys the fact that the team is made up of people from all backgrounds.
“There are a lot of people from different grades, different countries, and different languages,” Feliz said.
This program, according to the players on the team, is in a rebuilding stage because of the opening of a second high school, which cut the number of players in half. Senior Mason Smith, who is a captain of the team, hopes the program will keep improving after he graduates.
“My hope for the team is to regain our footing from the school split and build a solid baseball team that others find competitive,” Smith said.
Many of the other seniors share this sentiment. These players have seen this program for many years, and they have built a connection with it. Leaving a lasting impact on the team that they have played for is important to these seniors. Vass hopes that he can do as much as he can while he is still here to help build this program up.
“Making sure that I show the younger players that this is the dynamic that brings teams together,” Vass said. “In practices and games, by showing them and doing it, and to make sure that they have it ingrained in their minds by the time we leave.”
