At the Concord baseball game on Tuesday, May 5th, the Concord Yellowjackets put up a valiant fight against the strong offense of Springport. The boys baseball team knew this was going to be difficult competition from the beginning, yet still battled hard against the opposing team with grit.
Relief pitcher Wyatt Mandrelle gave up one hit and one run, all while playing his first year on a varsity team. Mandrelle shares his thoughts on going into the game and how he dealt with knowing he might not beat this team. Mandrelle states, “It was a tough game for sure, and we knew that from the start. You just kind of try to stay calm and collected while knowing there’s a high possibility you won’t win.”
A successful team is often known by solid pitching and an effective batting lineup. This is shown in batter Lane Blossom’s discipline and skill in the field while leading Concord at the plate. When asked about what he would like to improve on for the following games and even next season, Blossom responds with this. “I really need to work on my mental both before and after our games. When we lose, my head is clouded and I’m filled with disappointment. When we win, though, I get excited.”
Players often speak of the importance of turning mistakes into learning opportunities, focusing on sharp defensive plays, such as catching and stealing, to swing momentum in close games. This mental discipline in clutch moments is essential to the game.
Beyond the field, the community’s involvement helps to strengthen the morale of the team. Batter Gavin Riske, having seen many games no matter win or lose, shares his gratitude for his coaches and the community. “I like looking over the fence and seeing my family sitting and watching me bat, so it always makes me feel bad when I lose. My coaches are awesome, too. They push you to a standard that you know you need to meet, then celebrate you when you reach that goal.”
Looking toward the future, the team aims to build off of past successes, with long-term goals focused on exceeding past games. By maintaining high standards for both academics and athletics, Concord High School baseball ensures that its players are prepared for challenges on the field and in life, creating a culture of sustained success. Make sure to wish the boys the best of luck at their next home game on Tuesday, May 12 against Bronson!
