by Michael Natelli ’14

A famous quote from the baseball movie “Moneyball” went, “If you don’t win the last game of the season, no one gives a ****.” It’s a sentiment some returning varsity baseball players are susceptible to feeling.

The team came awfully close last season, making it to the state semifinals against Northwest, and put together a solid performance. However, some late mistakes ultimately cost them the game, which they lost 6-5 on a walk-off suicide squeeze in the eighth inning.

“Losing sucks,” said senior pitcher Patrick Kemper.  “There’s no denying that. But I tried looking at the positive things like having one more chance [this] year … I’m feeling confident in [our team’s] abilities.”

But what often gets lost in the sour memories of those who followed Sherwood baseball last year is that the team reached the state semifinals. They lost, but it was more than just “another year, another suicide squeeze.” The Warriors were a top-four team in the state after losing several starters from 2011, and also getting a new head coach, Sean Davis.

Davis himself credits much of what he’s learned to former coach Bill Goodman. “I still talk to Goodman all the time,” said Davis. “He and I are real close.” Davis played and then worked under Goodman for several years before assuming the position of head coach.

Heading into his second year, Davis is highly optimistic about his team’s chances as they look to build on last year’s success. “We’re bringing back most of our guys,” he said. “We have three number-one [starting pitchers], and that’s a great problem to have.”

Davis was short of saying that this year is “championship or bust,” but noted the team is good enough to make it to states. “I think we have what it takes to make it back,” he said.

“We’re looking pretty solid heading into the season,” said senior outfielder Tyler Pickrel. “With a lot of returning guys, expectations are always high and we’re just looking to win day by day to reach the ultimate goal of playing in Aberdeen [for the State Championship] on May 24.”

The Warriors open their season on March 22 at home against Northwood, and after a second home game against Yorktown the next day, the Warriors will prepare to renew an old rivalry with Northwest on March 27.  “The [same] level of intensity and preparation will be there,” said Pickrel. “But this time, we’re coming out on top.”

Photo Credit: Michael Natelli ’14