As spring sports seasons approach, the varsity boys baseball team is ready to roll and can’t wait to start competing, varsity catcher Justin Heydorn ‘26 said. The team has very high hopes for the season, as they have a returning senior at every single position except for first base, and the team is fortunate enough to have a star senior pitcher, Jack Slightom ‘26, who is a top player in the state. 

Although the squad doesn’t have many other senior pitchers, the team hopes that younger players will step up to help the team be its best possible version. The team has three main goals this season: they hope to win the State Championship, win their Conference (West Suburban Silver) Championship, and win the Steve Bajenski Memorial Tournament, varsity head coach Kevin Diete said. 

Heydorn is excited about the pitching staff.

“If those guys can come up and be big arms for us, we’re going to be very tough to beat,” Heydorn said. 

Being the catcher of the team comes with a lot of responsibility, as he needs to build a connection with all of his pitchers and has to lead his team on the field by calling out plays and making sure everyone is on the same page, Heydorn said. On top of making sure everyone is connected on the field, the team also likes to go out for breakfast and hang out over the weekend to continue to strengthen their bond throughout the season. 

“The atmosphere is a shared brotherhood where players are laid-back but competitive,” Diete said. “We hold each other accountable to a high standard of excellence and determination on the field.” 

This season, the players will mainly focus on their defensive execution, team speed, and endurance at practices to help them win games, Diete said. Specifically, they will work on competitive, high-pressure situations in practice to mimic the intensity and stress of real game environments.

“By consistently training in these situations, we believe our athletes will not only develop as stronger baseball players but also grow in resilience, composure, and confidence that will benefit them long after their playing days are over,” Diete said. 

The team’s main strength this season will be their fielding and base running, Diete said. The team will also have six to seven leaders who will support their team with their vocal leadership and their on and off-field discipline. 

“We have to preach to our players to be the best they can be, control what we can control, and everything will take care of itself,” Diete said. 

The team’s next game is a home game today against Hinsdale South. The team will also play tomorrow, away against Addison Trail.