Isabel Salazar
Softball hitter preparing to bat during last year's season.
The softball and baseball season is close at hand, and players are looking forward to the season to put their hard work into action.
The Heritage varsity baseball team will have a benefit game on February 27, 2025 at Greenwood High School. The baseball season will officially begin on March 3, 2025, one day before the softball season starts on March 4, 2025.
When asked about what type of training and practices the boys do, baseball player Derek Garcia (9) said, “Just normal everyday practice [includes] defense hitting practice, we shuffle through those trying to get through the motions [and] trying to do them right not just do the motions but have intent.”
The Heritage baseball team is hard at work, day to day, ready to start the season off strong. Their desire is to make each move meaningful, with plenty of thought and dedication behind it. Not a day passes by where a single player isn’t putting the game above all else, truly demonstrating the sacrifice and nerve the sport requires.
“Right now we are lifting weights and we’re practicing every day, from three to five, and we’re just putting in the hard work,” said softball player Sadie Roper (9th).
The Heritage softball community is in full effect, commonly found in the weight room to improve their overall athletic abilities, such as speed and accuracy. As a bonus, their diligent training is also allowing them to maintain keen hand-eye coordination. This constant, everyday training will assist heavily in the team’s performance this season.
Several sports teams have a ritual of some sort, usually before games, such as the softball team. They resort to motivating affirmations that boost the teams greatly, in mood and performance. For some players, the ritual is more individually unique, like taking time to rest or even stress snacking. These rituals often improve the overall energy and attitude, positively affecting the player’s abilities on the field.
“Well I usually just listen to music and probably take a dump before a game,” said Garcia.
We always have a talk, and we call it up by [expressing] a certain saying to encourage us to do better,” said Roper.
So far, the Heritage softball and baseball players are incredibly excited to have the opportunity of experiencing the season’s ups and downs with their teammates. They are prepared to show off their own personal abilities, as well as their competitive nature.
“I am looking forward to just having all the games with all my teammates and getting to go through all the wins and losses with my teammates,” said Roper.