The baseball team officially started the season Feb. 18. They lost their first match against Eastwood High School 0-9. The team dusted off and traveled to the Socorro District tournament Feb. 20-22, winning 3 games of 5.

“We have a nice combination of upper classmen and young players who are coming together nicely as a team,” varsity assistant baseball coach Carlos Valverde said. Valverde has been coaching 19 years. “I wasn’t coaching last year but from what I saw then to what I see now, these guys are more of a team and just want to play baseball.”

There are 8 seniors and 1 freshman on varsity. Positions consist of first base, second base, third base, center field, rear field, catcher and pitcher, the pitcher varies depending on who gets the position.

Cooperation with the whole team is important.

“In baseball you need to depend on each other or the game won’t work,” catcher Alexis Vega said. “I grew up playing the game so I have seen how the game works with dedication and cooperation,” Vega said.

Valverde is looking forward to having fun finding out how the season will play out this year.

“Batting, defense, and team unity are the teams strengths,” varsity baseball head coach Neil Sanchez said.

“Everyday I feel like we’re improving, we are showing a lot of heart, finding our identity and getting better everyday,” Sanchez said.

The players are working on being able to close out games, once they’re ahead, stay ahead. The whole district is very competitive but Eastlake is the toughest opponent of them all.

“There is no captain per sey, we have leaders but not anyone I want to put in the spotlight,” Sanchez said.