April 2, 2026
By Nikalena Iacono
Managing Editor
The 15 members of the baseball team traded classrooms for cleats when they traveled to Fort Pierce, Florida, from March 18-23 for spring training.
The trip consisted of five scrimmages against schools from three states, practices and team bonding to prepare for the upcoming season.
Senior catcher Max Gonzalez, a three-year varsity starter, said the trip offered necessary preparation for the competitive season, which began with a 2-0 win at home against Rutherford High School on March 31.
“My favorite memory from the trip was just being around all of my friends and playing the game that I love with them. There’s nothing better than that.”
“The biggest thing I learned from the trip is that nothing is going to be given to us this year. We have to… play with a chip on our shoulder,” Gonzalez said.
He said he hopes the players’ work ethic will lead them to win a state sectional title.
“We don’t have the most talent, but we work extremely hard and have been playing with each other since we were young, so that gives us an advantage,” Gonzalez said.
Junior pitcher and shortstop Jayson Bellenger, who joined varsity last year, said the team is like a family.
“We bond so much and all push each other to be the best possible versions of ourselves,” Bellenger said.
He said the trip strengthened the team’s chemistry.
“My favorite memory from the trip was just being around all of my friends and playing the game that I love with them. There’s nothing better than that,” Bellenger said.
Despite only winning one game, with a score of 8-0 against Wallkill Valley Regional High School on March 22, Bellenger said the trip was a success.
“We worked our butts off down there and got in good work that a lot of other teams don’t have the chance to do,” Bellenger said.
Senior pitcher Tyler Herman, who is in his third year on varsity, said the team is competitive and determined.
“We have the mentality that we will compete with whoever is on the field with us,” Herman said.
He said spring training was a necessary learning experience.
“Every team has something to improve on, and we will [do] that. We just have to keep believing and working hard,” said Herman.
