As the first light breaks over the Revere High School baseball field, the air fills with the sound of mitts snapping shut and the determined voices of players. Amidst this early morning hustle, a new spirit of dedication takes hold of the team. With a workout program designed to push their limits and refine their techniques, these athletes are gearing up to make their mark on the upcoming season.
Revere Senior athletes like Phil Clark and Kenchin Xiong are not just preparing for the upcoming season but shaping a narrative of commitment that promises to refine Revere’s baseball. Led by coaches Stephen Wido, Eric Browne and Jason Cottrell, their training will push each player to forward their progress in baseball.
“The training will help the team’s success, but individually pitching is one of those, especially if you’re a starting pitcher, a once-in-a-week thing perhaps,” Wido said.
In acknowledging the role of training in enhancing the team’s overall success, the individual pitcher’s success is key. This perspective not only underscores the team’s commitment to improvement but also highlights the focus required for specific positions, showing the unique challenges faced by each player in their journey.
“Coaches and players both think that the program can impact us very positively because it is helping correct one of our biggest problems from the last year,” Clark said.
Both coaches and players share similar feelings toward last year’s season, where Revere finished at 9-18 and placed twelfth in the Suburban League. By addressing a major issue from last year, this program looks to make a difference in the team’s performance.
“The program has helped us be more accurate with our pitches and it builds chemistry with our catchers,” Clark said.
Clark’s words highlight the transformative impact of the workouts. The emphasis on accuracy in pitching not only enhances individual performance but also creates a stronger bond between pitchers and catchers, crucial for a successful season. When on a Varsity team, the coordination between the pitcher and catcher needs to be precise and fast.
“The Varsity game is just faster and it’s more precise, and it’s just basics they have to clean up,” Wido said.
Wido emphasizes the higher pace and increased precision at the Varsity level. He recognizes the challenges the team faces and addresses the need to enhance fundamental skills, understanding that success at this level requires great attention to the essential parts of pitching and catching.
“I think that this pitching and catching will improve the teams’ performance because it is how players can buy into the whole program and see results in April, May and June,” Clark said.
Their early work is designed to not only improve the team’s performance but also create necessary team cohesion. With a focus on individual and collective strength, their new approach can change the team’s commitment and work ethic. This unity creates a feeling of team building and working together as one.
“The team’s outlook is on how much work needs to be done now rather than later in the spring to better our chances during our season. Many of the players know the importance of being at these trainings, and they also understand that they want to improve themselves to boost the baseball program,” Xiong said.
The team’s initial affirmation to commit to these workouts will benefit them in the upcoming season. Without a sense of agreement that work needs to be done, their chances of a successful season could be lower. All the work from the preseason is translated into their first game, which sets the stage for how the season will play out.
The emphasis on building a strong foundation is clear, showing the important role of both skill and development. The team prioritizes these elements, setting the stage for a passionate environment. The fundamentals are what allow them to create this atmosphere. This also creates an aspect of longevity in each player’s health. Knowing these basic factors can keep them from injuring themselves during preseason, as indicated by Wido
“Trying to build that chemistry, it’s one of the sports, [where] you don’t know what you got till you hit the first game,” Wido said.
Reflecting on the sport, Wido shares a point of view familiar to his athletes. The acknowledgment highlights the unpredictable nature of the game, showing the blend of anticipation and realization that leads to the start of the competition. As they get closer to their first game, the feeling adds to the importance of continuous learning.
As the preseason unfolds and the games begin, one thing is certain: the Revere High School baseball team is not just a group of players; they are a family united by a common goal. And as they take to the field, they carry with them everyone who has ever worn the scarlet, white and royal blue.
