Spring is coming around, which means that baseball season is getting close at South Lyon East High School. Before break,  the players were have been out on the field for varsity baseball tryouts trying to earn a spot on the team and get all ready for the season.

Tryouts for the South Lyon East boys varsity baseball team were on March 9, March 10, and March 11. Players from different grades came out to show what they can do and compete for a spot. During tryouts, coaches are watching things like hitting, fielding, pitching, and overall effort as they begin putting together this year’s team.

This season is a little different for the program. Coach Tanderys, who was the head coach last year, is no longer coaching the team. Because of that, the program is starting a new chapter with new leadership. Even with that change, the goal for the team stays the same: work hard, improve, and compete together.

Even though tryouts can be stressful for some players, the overall vibe around the field is  pretty positive. Many of the athletes already know each other from past seasons or summer baseball, and teammates are working together with some real chemistry. Everyone is trying their best during drills while also supporting their teammates.

One thing that stands out this year is the no-cut approach during tryouts. Instead of cutting players right away, everyone gets the chance to stay involved and keep working on their skills. This gives more players the opportunity to be part of the program and  continue improving during the season. 

During tryouts, players went through different drills to show their skills and their abilities. There are infield and outfield drills where coaches observe how the players handle defense. Batting practice gives hitters the chance to really show their swing and power. Pitchers also get time on the mound so coaches can see their pitches and velocity.

Tryouts are also allowed about getting the team to come back together after a long offseason. For many players, this is the first time they have been back on the field with teammates since last season ended. Being able to get outside with the nice weather on tryout days and play baseball was something a lot of players were looking forward to.

Senior players are especially excited for the season since it will be their last year playing high school baseball. Senior Jaxson Gochenour said, “I’m most excited to play one last time with my boys.”

Senior Brady Bush, said he is looking forward to meeting the new coaches and having a strong season, . “I am most excited to get to know the new coaching staff and have fun and win this season.”

Senior  Jaden Saavedra also shared what he is looking forward to this year, . “I’m excited to go to work with the team and win.”

While there is still work to be done before the first game, the early days of tryouts have already shown that players are excited and ready to compete.