By Tony Genualdo
On paper, 8-8 is an average season. But considering Lawrence’s track record in the last decade, 8-8 was a successful season for them last year. They finished a season with more than 2 wins for the first time since 2010. They set a new school record for runs scored in a season with 104. Injuries throughout the season cost the team from possibly getting to double digit wins. Regardless, coach Tommy Beirne says that Lawrence baseball is back.
“To re-ignite the excitement of the baseball program in Lawrence was great to see.” Beirne said.
The preparation for the next season started in the fall. Beirne wanted his players to focus on the mental side of the game and educate his players on certain situations. But when asked about how the players are physically preparing, he says that the workouts are tough.
“I’m a big plyo, agility and fast-twitch muscle guy, Beirne said. “Most kids this age never experienced workouts like we are doing.”
Last year’s team graduated six seniors. Six of the nine starters from last year were seniors. The rest were sophomores. This year’s number of seniors? Zero. Juniors, sophomores, and some freshman make up the entire team. Beirne says his juniors will take the role as seniors in terms of their leadership.
“They ran through the whole year of my system and understand what we are trying to achieve, and they are really stepping up so early in the off season to help all these new players to the program,” said Beirne.
Junior captains Junior Salamon and Tommy Rincon look to dominate this year – the latter being the ace on the mound. Other players to be on the lookout for are juniors Bruce Espinal, Matt Guevara, and Max Bordalas, as well as freshman Tyler Bowers.
Lawrence are a team full of grit and they are ready to compete.
“I have a team of kids that show up every day and take whatever I throw at them,” said Beirne. “They support each other tremendously so early in the game. Teamwork and encouragement is going to be a big factor with these boys this year.”
