ITG Next spoke with the Westminster head baseball coach, Chad Laney, on the upcoming baseball season.
Q. So, baseball season is already here. How are things going so far the first couple of weeks?
A. It has been fantastic to be back in baseball season, and for January and February baseball we have had very good weather. This has enabled [us] to get a lot more field time in along with a larger number of intra-squad games.
Q. Talk about your returning pitching and position players from last year. Who were the biggest losses to graduation?
A. William May is a returning pitcher for us who certainly looks to be our ace. We did lose last year’s No.1 and No.2 starters to graduation, so pitching is the department where we need the most newcomers to step up and compete. We have a handful of returning starters who will lead our team: Robert Clarke (OF/P), Mason Stephenson (OF), Hayes Woley (SS), Nick Westenfelder (OF / DH), and our catcher, Ryan Carr.
Q. I know the key is to not look back but keep moving forward. That said, how crazy have things been these last two seasons with Covid in 2020 and last year winning eight games in a row, thinking you have got the momentum headed down the stretch, only to drop seven of your final eight? How maddening have those last two seasons been?
A. It has been a wild ride, both on the field and in the classroom. The sting of losing the 2020 season, especially with the caliber of team we had that season, will never go away, but honestly I think all the circumstances have brought on a renewed feeling of joy and appreciation simply for getting to play the great game of baseball. Our players now know that nothing is guaranteed, and each game (and practice) is a privilege.
Q. It’s early but how do you feel about the group you have this season? What do you think is your team strength?
A. We are excited about this team. We have many first time varsity players, so we have had to be patient about molding this team together and finding roles for each player, but our players have been working hard, meeting all challenges head on, and getting better.
