Baseball prepares for the upcoming season After a

ups, with the new pitchers emphasizing pitching depth and strengthening their bullpen.

“Our health is going to be our strength. It is going to be them going out there and just doing what they do,” Coach Jaime Garcia said. “This year I already see a lot of growth, not just in size, but mentally growing and understanding certain situations a lot better.”

The team is coming in well prepared with returning star members such as junior Nolan Adams, who was a strong pitcher last year. Devin Robinson, current junior, got first team all league honors last year as a sophomore. Other key players are returning from the football team like seniors such as catcher Ivan Bacerra, third baseman Quinn Sterling, center fielder Jason Yipp, and junior left fielder Luke Riffle. These core players hope to have a successful season on the baseball team after competing in the ongoing Tigers football CIF games.

“As a team we [have] all known each other well enough to be able to hold each other accountable in a supportive way,” Guy said. “I think these guys won’t have any problem stepping up.” has a total of 42 people, the highest in 5 years. There is an influx of new underclassmen members to the program this season, after six seniors graduated last year.

So far, the baseball team has had a resounding success in its preseason games. They have gone up against Northview High School, John Muir High School, Hoover High School, and Flintridge Prepatory School, only to defeat the opponents in all four games. The Tigers had the home advantage each time, but the guest schools are no match for the SPHS team.

Last year’s 2021-22 season was successful for the SPHS varsity baseball team, reaching the highest win total for the program in 18 years, and taking third in the Rio Hondo League. With a majority of last year’s players returning, the team is entering into their upcoming season optimistic for a third consecutive CIF appearance and RHL league championship.

The final roster has not been solidified with many core players playing with football this fall, but the program

“I’m excited [to] see many of the talented young guys in the program get a chance to play this year,” senior Will Guy said. “I enjoyed watching the team’s success in [the] league last year and remaining involved with the team.”

The team is training with off-season practices for the upcoming spring season, placing a strong emphasis on health and safety. The student athletes have been focusing on perfecting technique and developing power in warm-

The first official game for the SPHS baseball team is February 11th, at home against Salesian High School. The Tigers were knocked out of the first round of CIF’s by this very school last year, so they are hoping to start off the season strong with a win.

“We’re looking to really take it to them that day,” Garcia said. “Saturday, February 11th, here at 10am.”

FRIDAY, NOV. 18TH @ 7:00 PM, FOOTBALL VS. BELLFLOWER AT HOME

TUESDAY, NOV. 29TH @ 6:00 PM, GIRLS BASKETBALL VS. PASADENA AT HOME

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30TH @ 4:00 PM, GIRLS WATER POLO VS. WESTRIDGE AT HOME