Senior Max Helmer is a first baseman and catcher for the Lake Forest High School Varsity Baseball Team, and was a starting center back for the Varsity Soccer Team. Helmer talks about the importance of the offseason, advice for future Scouts baseball players, and how the Mariners helped kickstart his baseball career.
When did you start playing baseball?
“I started playing baseball when I was four years old. My dad played collegiate baseball, so it was big in my house growing up. He took me to a bunch of Mariners games growing up and we have been back for a couple of opening day games in Seattle in recent years.”
How do you feel about moving up to varsity last year?
“Varsity was much harder competition compared to playing JV the previous year. You face much better pitching, and it’s a more competitive environment. Playing in the playoffs for the first time was a new experience. It’s something I look forward to doing this year.”
Were there any leaders on the team last year that helped you acclimate to varsity baseball?
“Yes, many seniors helped me through the process, most notably Luke Joseph who helped me with my transition to varsity. Luke was my throwing partner and also in my AP Calc class, so we would always come in and talk about the season and talk about upcoming games. He was a big help in my transition to playing varsity baseball.”
How does the team this year compare to last year?
“We lost all of our seniors, but we also have 20 returning guys, so we have a more experienced team this year. I think, combined with our young pitching talent, we should be poised for a good season.”
What lessons have you learned throughout the offseason that have helped you with your season?
“I think you reap what you sow in that sense. The work you put in during the offseason is directly related to the results you get in season. I think through my friends working out for other sports and kind of helping me along this process, what you put in is what you get out. Especially senior Nate Uhart, who was a great help throughout the offseason, never denying a lift or a workout.”
What are ways you try to motivate your teammates and the younger guys?
“I think you have to remind your teammates what you’re playing for. I think I help by leading by example. I wouldn’t ask my teammates to do something I wouldn’t do myself. And I think during games, especially when we’re losing or going through a rough patch, I think you remind your teammates the reasons you guys put in so much work outside of practice to perform well in games.”
How do you and your teammates keep morale after a loss?
“I think the bus ride back is a big one for that. I think not getting down and playing music sometimes, even after a loss, will lift the team’s spirits. And also just remind yourself and your team that it’s a long season. There’s a lot more to go, and it’s pretty much all learning experience up until playoffs.”
What’s your favorite team tradition?
“I would say my favorite team tradition is a new tradition that Coach Nilles implemented last year called the Chain of Champions. It’s a great way to recognize your teammates for their hard work after a practice. We pass it around to a new teammate. The previous holder passes it to a new holder after each win. So that’s a new tradition that I think was a great addition to the program.”
How do you feel about the team dynamic this year?
“I think we’re a very close group. I think a lot of us are returning players so we’ve already played multiple seasons together. That’ll help with team chemistry and also some of that morale. We’ll keep our spirits up throughout the season whether we win or lose and that’ll benefit us in the long run.”
What’s your favorite memory of playing baseball?
“My favorite baseball memory is probably my Cooperstown trip with my Lake Bluff travel team. That was super fun getting to spend a whole week playing baseball and having a giant sleepover with my friends. That was probably peak baseball for me. Hopefully we make a better one by winning state this season.”
What have you done in the offseason to stay prepared for the season?
“Whether it’s offseason lifting, or taking batting practice in the cage, there are a lot of things that go into preparing for a season. Also, open gyms. The open gyms helped me out with finding who I am as a baseball player.”
What advice would you give freshmen aspiring to play baseball?
“I would say you shouldn’t let the fear of striking out prevent you from playing the game. I think the baseball community at the high school is a very tight-knit group. The coaches are great and I think you’ll gain a lot of close friends from playing baseball, and some of my best memories playing baseball were my freshman and sophomore year. So I think you should definitely play baseball if you’re thinking about it.”
