By Eddie Childs
After 5 years, Mashpee seniors are on to their last year together on the baseball field.
Baseball's a game of failure, and it's one of the hardest sports to stick with because it's constantly setting each player up for failure. And who wants to fail?
After 5 years, Mashpee seniors are on to their last year together on the baseball field.
Baseball's a game of failure, and it's one of the hardest sports to stick with because it's constantly setting each player up for failure. And who wants to fail?
I’ve played baseball since I could walk, and over the years I've realized kids come and go with the sport. All the while, it makes those who stayed on the team a family. Going onto our last year really shines a light on the memories we've helped create, as well as the base for what Mashpee baseball is today.
If there's anyone on the team who knew about the ups and downs Mashpee baseball has faced, it would be the kids who went through it. Seniors Ari Purdy, Alex Morry, Jordan Pinhack, and myself have been through the team's progression throughout the last 5 years.
“We were all different ages,” said Senior Ari Purdy. “We weren't close, and playing as a team is crucial in baseball.”
The team has always had skill and the drive to want to get better. But like Alex Morry said, “Overall, we physically weren't capable of beating grown men.” Some of us jumped on the opportunity to use the weight room at a young age, and in doing so, they were able to compete. “What Mashpee did in order to turn around was hit the weights,” said senior Jordan Pinhack. Before the 2017 class engaged in the baseball program, Mashpee lacked enthusiasm. “The 2017 class gave a voice to the team, and made it easy to feel as one,” said Alex Morry.
Being less physically capable than some opponents was a main struggle we had, but beyond strength, baseball was a lot different in our early years. When asking Ari Purdy what he thought the main difference is in our play from now and then, he stated, “At that age, you're there to have fun, and to see your friends. Now, we play to see our friends, but the level of competitiveness and attitude comes before everything.” Jordan added, “The lack of focus was a main stop, because without focus, you can't achieve anymore than the other guy.”
The team came together when we realized we needed to work at this in order to progress. Senior Alex Morry quoted Bill Belichick, and said, “No Days Off.” This has really applied to the idea of Mashpee baseball today because the only reason we are where we are is because we want to be there. We want to be in the cage after practice, or fielding ground balls when we have down time. Mashpee baseball wants to work, and that's why we're here.
If there's anyone on the team who knew about the ups and downs Mashpee baseball has faced, it would be the kids who went through it. Seniors Ari Purdy, Alex Morry, Jordan Pinhack, and myself have been through the team's progression throughout the last 5 years.
“We were all different ages,” said Senior Ari Purdy. “We weren't close, and playing as a team is crucial in baseball.”
The team has always had skill and the drive to want to get better. But like Alex Morry said, “Overall, we physically weren't capable of beating grown men.” Some of us jumped on the opportunity to use the weight room at a young age, and in doing so, they were able to compete. “What Mashpee did in order to turn around was hit the weights,” said senior Jordan Pinhack. Before the 2017 class engaged in the baseball program, Mashpee lacked enthusiasm. “The 2017 class gave a voice to the team, and made it easy to feel as one,” said Alex Morry.
Being less physically capable than some opponents was a main struggle we had, but beyond strength, baseball was a lot different in our early years. When asking Ari Purdy what he thought the main difference is in our play from now and then, he stated, “At that age, you're there to have fun, and to see your friends. Now, we play to see our friends, but the level of competitiveness and attitude comes before everything.” Jordan added, “The lack of focus was a main stop, because without focus, you can't achieve anymore than the other guy.”
The team came together when we realized we needed to work at this in order to progress. Senior Alex Morry quoted Bill Belichick, and said, “No Days Off.” This has really applied to the idea of Mashpee baseball today because the only reason we are where we are is because we want to be there. We want to be in the cage after practice, or fielding ground balls when we have down time. Mashpee baseball wants to work, and that's why we're here.