Swinging for the Fences: Moeller Baseball's Return to the Diamond
With last season being cut short due to COVID-19, Moeller baseball is itching to get back out on the dirt. Even with COVID-19 in the air, the team is finding new and creative ways to stay sharp on their skills. The newest edition to the Crusader’s training routine is through a program “Win Reality” through Oculus virtual reality headsets. Within this app, players will be able to work on pitch recognition, timing, and pitch selection whilst following proper COVID-19 guidelines.
With obviously no data on the 2020 Varsity team due to the COVID cancelation, the 2019 team put up a 19-10 overall record, falling in the sectional finals to a talented West Clermont squad, 6-4. However, this year, the varsity Crusaders have no returning varsity players from that 2019 roster.
Senior’s Zach French and Grant Blomeke using the new “Win Reality” program. Photo taken from @bigmoebaseball
This year’s varsity squad is being led by seniors Grant Blomeke, Cole Rieman, Tristan Melvin, Michael Spaeth, Andrew Boudreau and much more talent behind them. After losing such a strong senior class last spring, these guys are looking to fill the shoes. Senior Grant Blomeke stated, “Last year we felt like we got cut off, especially because we all knew what kind of potential the senior class had. They taught us a lot, but expectations do not change”.
After a recent interview with varsity head coach Tim Held, he gave his two cents on the upcoming season, “We are looking for all of our seniors to step up and be leaders. They got a few weeks of practice last year with the varsity before the season was canceled so they have an explanation of what our expectations are at the varsity level”.
With a strong senior class set in stone this year, they won’t be the only key factor to a successful 2021 campaign. When asked about the effect of underclassman pitchers contributing to the team’s success this year, senior Cole Rieman says, “We don’t have many pitchers in the senior class so the underclassman are going to have to stand out. They will be a huge part of the success this year”.
Senior Andrew Boudreau also weighed in on the question by saying, “The pitchers are what hold the team together. If the pitchers are doing well then our team is going well. They also have an important leadership role on the team. Our pitching staff will bring us to state”.
Baseball America Coaches Poll. Photo taken from the Baseball America website.
Moeller’s boys of summer check in at #8 in the “Baseball America” upper Midwest coaches poll. The Crusaders look to start off the season strong with a crucial opening game against GMC powerhouse, Mason, on March 27th.
Prior to Saturday’s season opener, the team will take on Lakota East, Springboro, Colerain, and Centerville in preseason scrimmages. The team is looking to capture yet another GCL title this season.