With the Granite Bay baseball season coming up fast, many GBHS baseball players are wondering how they can make the varsity baseball team. Making the varsity baseball team takes various steps.
To make the varsity baseball team it requires years of hard work and dedication.
Peter Caldera, a senior at Granite Bay High School has been playing baseball for about 12 years and joined the varsity team in his junior year at GBHS. Peter’s work ethic going into varsity has definitely changed.
“My work ethic has definitely changed from a freshman to now as a senior. I was significantly lazier and laid back when it came to putting in the time and effort to be better. But at some point midway through my sophomore year I told myself I needed to work harder than others to make the college level,” Caldera said.
“I prefer the relationships with the coaches that you build on varsity versus being on JV or freshman,” Parker Jennings, a junior at GBHS said.
There are many things different at the varsity level compared to the junior varsity level. To compete at the varsity level, you have got to want it bad and do whatever it takes to win and compete at the top level.
“The one thing I prefer about varsity over others is the fact that the environment is much more serious and focused on winning,” Caldera said.
Going from the junior varsity level into the varsity level is going to take some adjustments both physically and mentally. At the varsity level everyone will do anything to win. You must be ready to make sacrifices and put your body on the line to win.
“No one likes to lose, and the best part about being a part of the team at this level is success,” Caldera said.
There are many benefits about being on varsity compared to junior varsity or the freshman team. From a social aspect, being alongside your teammates all four years of high school can be a huge factor into winning games. Team chemistry is a major benefit to get to know your teammates strengths and weaknesses.
Coach Esposito needs players to be coachable and flexible when it comes to making adjustments in game. He is looking for a responsible group of guys with a good work ethic willing to do whatever it takes to win. Going into the tryout, it is suggested that you go into it with an open mind and a good attitude.
“If you are talented but have a horrible personality, there is a chance you can still get cut,” Esposito said.
