After a long winter, it’s finally time to say the spring – and baseball – has arrived. After a long run in the playoffs last year (ultimately coming to an unfortunate end in the Regional Championship), the 2019 Scouts are looking for another successful year.

The Scouts have lost many integral players since last year, including graduates Caleb Durbin (accolades include All Conference, MVP Award), Andrew Gough (All Conference), Drew Golde (All Conference Hon. Mention, MVP Award), Ryan Lee and Will Woidat. In particular, Durbin, who has taken his talents to Washington University in St. Louis, set the record for most hits throughout his career, beating out Northwestern Alum J.R. Reimer’s record of 111.

For the returning players, though, expectations are extremely high. Senior Captain Peter Turelli in particular is looking for nothing less than a State Championship.

“It seems a little bit crazy,” said Turelli. “I truly think we have the talent and the camaraderie on this team to make it happen.”

The camaraderie that Turelli speaks of is no coincidence, though. Between long hours in the batting cages and grueling off-season workouts, some of the younger guys have already completely adjusted to the team. Some of these young guns include Connor Morrison, Breck Nowik, and Michael Vallone: all returning members of the varsity squad. This trio is the heart of the pitching rotation that the Scouts pride themselves on. Additionally, the team has picked up juniors Anthony Ranallo, Ryan Antrim, Steve Antrim, Robbie Gray, Luke Chlystek, Charlie Marks, and Matt Birtman.

“Our core is still here,” said senior IF/P Landen Messner. “And with the new guys, we’re gonna be better than ever.”

To build off the solid pitching on the bump, the Scouts will have to improve from the plate as they batted well below .250 as a team. However, this offseason has been very productive and the Scouts should show great improvement offensively.

Momentum seems to be the name of the game for this team, as their season revolved around a ten game win streak last year. In a game built on feel, patience, and streaks and slumps, getting hot late in the season will be key to a strong postseason.

“Once the camaraderie was established, the team attitude changed. We had a swagger and we knew we could compete with anybody,” said senior Captain Will Davis.

The Scouts’ season kicks off next Friday, March 15th at Lane Tech High School. Undoubtedly, this matchup will set the tone for the first few weeks of practices, so look for the Scouts to start their season off strong. For season updates, tune into The Forest Scout and follow @BaseballLfhs on Twitter.