Posted by By Brad Bolton
Sports Editor
Freshmen Dan James and Gavin Collins are the only two freshmen on the varsity baseball team and some of the first to play on the varsity level in recent years.
James is the first baseman and is batting fifth in the order, while Collins plays catcher and is a Designated Hitter after being moved up from the JV team.
“I did pretty well on JV, but I think it was my success in one of our tournaments that really helped me get on varsity,” Collins said.
James, on the other hand, has been playing on varsity all year after a very successful try-out display.
“Just making the team was my biggest moment,” James said. “They didn’t tell the players what level they were on until the very last day, and so it was pretty stressful for me.”
James is the first freshman to be placed on the roster from the start of the season since 2004.
“My years of playing experience are a huge help. I’ve been playing baseball since I learned how to walk,” James said. “I really got into baseball when my dad started coaching my older brother, and I would always throw the balls back to them.”
Both James and Collins have been playing baseball since they were very young, starting at three and four years old, respectively.
“It’s very cool to be on the varsity team,” said Collins. “There’s a lot more excitement and every game is fun.”
The freshmen are thriving alongside their vetran teammates as the team approaches the end of league.
“We have a strong team this year,” coach Mike Gonzales said. “We just need to keep improving and avoid being satisfied with what we have.”
The team is currently doing well thanks to a strong home field, boasting a 9-1-1 record at home and 7-3 in league along with being ranked No. 20 in the state.
“My favorite moment this season had to be the Woodbridge game,” said Collins. “We were down a few runs in the 7th inning and came back to win 12-9 in the 8th after three or four guys all stepped up their game.”
The freshman aren’t the only underclassmen on the team, sophomores Daniel Conmy, Nick Villar and Tyler Brashears are also on the varsity team.
“We have a very good and very young team this year,” said junior Matt Chapman. “There are the two freshman, a couple sophomores, and lots of juniors, and both of the freshman can really play.”
