With twelve seniors departing last year, the St. Dominic baseball team had a lot of big shoes to fill. All worries were relinquished when the team won three out their first four games this season. Clearly the team is off to a hot start, but will their success continue? You bet!

The Crusader baseball team has an unmatchable balance of talent. From speed to defense, they truly have it all. The pitching staff is loaded with talent, but it goes far beyond just a few guys. The Crusaders have ten hurlers who know how to pitch in high leverage situations.

While the pitching is a great strength for the team, it is matched equally by a dynamic offense. The lineup is dangerous up and down. The top and bottom of the lineup is full of guys with tremendous speed who know how to take the extra base. The middle of the lineup is full of guys with tremendous power and gap hitting ability.

Even though the Crusader lineup could strike fear into the heart of any opposing pitcher, it is not the team’s greatest strength. By far the most impressive aspect of this team is their chemistry. All of the guys get along and their personalities make the game so much more entertaining. Whether it’s junior Matt Hanson at shortstop with his silly smile even when things are going bad or senior Luke Cross who always yells ridiculous things to his teammates on the field, spectators are sure to witness more than just a baseball game.

“I think we have a good team. We are all really good friends who know how to pick each other up and encourage each other. I think we will have a successful season because of our chemistry,” said junior Brendan Kenny.

Talent only gets teams so far in today’s game. The team has to know how to take criticism and learn from their mistakes. Most importantly, a team must know how to work together to get the win, and that takes practice and collaboration.

“I feel real good about this team. The best part about this team is that the players are very enthusiastic and I think they will be very coachable this year,” said head coach Frank Schlenke.

It is obvious this group of guys is very special because of their raw talent, but their hunger for victory and perfection will surely get them far as the season moves along. With all that being said, don’t forget to pop out and watch the Crusaders as they push to win St. Dominic’s first baseball state championship since 2008.