As the spring season progresses, more and more sports teams are making the best of their season, and the Townsend Harris boys’ baseball team is one that is looking to come out strong. After losing many of their key senior players, the team is trying to find its rhythm in the hands of the leadership of returning players who are stepping up to the plate. With a team more focused on developing their young players rather than on sheer wins, it is important to remember that it takes time to create a solid team, regardless of the sport. But with perseverance and commitment from the entire team, it is attainable.
Despite working tenaciously on and off the field, the team started their season off with a 2-4 record. It attributes this record to facing off against the division’s more formidable opponents in the early season. Junior Daniel Singh commented on their early season saying, “We started off our season with a rough start, having played a few of the tougher teams we play this year in Flushing High School and Richmond Hill High School.” Flushing High School in particular has been a tough opponent for the boys and continuously challenges the team on all cylinders of the game, including both pitching and batting.
Although the team faces its challenges, it is always improving since the players are constantly perfecting their craft. “My personal goals this season include staying as healthy as possible and just improving on all cylinders,” said junior Brian Ooi. “I aim to get better offensively at the plate and defensively with the glove.” His goals for the season reflect many of the same aspirations that others on the team have.
Furthermore, an important goal that the team shares is to become closer with their head coach: Matthew Lemanczyk. The team feels that if they become closer with their coach and with each other, then they can truly work as one cohesive unit that strives for the same mindset. This mindset includes getting physically and mentally conditioned coupled with a playoff spot and hopefully another run at a championship.
Even though winning is something that the team always has in mind, the way in which they approach the game is not solely focused on victory. They find more value in the game and hope to cement a lasting friendship while playing the sport they love.
On May 10, you can catch the boys’ baseball team at Kissena Park as it plays Forest Hills High School. Be sure to support the team as the regular season comes to an end.
