As the baseball team steps out onto the diamond in their season-opener against Wisconsin Lutheran, there is a cold breeze while they hear the loud chanting from the dugouts and crowd. There are nerves, excitement and an urge from each player to start the season. Each senior knows their last season of high school baseball is about to start, and many underclassmen, nervous as can be, are about to play their first varsity game.
After a close loss to a very good team, some fans had hope, and some didn’t as they went on to win only two of the next 10 games. Although, that is all about to change.
Dave Pangallo, assistant coach, talks about why he isn’t discouraged about the start of the season, and the keys of success moving forward.
“The one lesson that I hope the players take away from us coaching, is that they can learn from failure and it is ok to fail in life. It is how you respond from failure that can change your way of thinking. We have the right players to get the job done and fully believe we can beat any team at our full potential.” Pangallo said.
Likewise, Jack Adams, senior captain, talks about some of the disadvantages and advantages from last year compared to this year.
“Last year we had a lot more collegiate-level athletes, while this year we have a lot less of that. There’s still some but we have more younger guys who are ready for the challenge.
Although we don’t have those types of players, we have a stronger bond and better team chemistry,” Adams said.
Additionally, Joe Simon, junior, see’s the same potential Adams sees in the connection of the team and is excited to come back from his injury that’s been holding him back.
“It’s a fun team. We have a lot of different types of players and personalities that all come together on the field. I can’t wait to come back and get the team moving again on the field,” Simon said.
Pangallo believes there’s a certain type of struggle on the field when it comes to the players being in slumps or discouraged.
“It’s usually mental mistakes or disappointment for striking out or not helping the team. I tell them that baseball is a very hard sport and always point out where they contributed positively in other ways. Too many facets of the game to dwell on anything,” Pangallo said.
Adams also agrees, witnessing it first hand experience during games, knowing what he has to do to prevent negative energy from happening.
“During a rough game you just have to be energetic and loud, keeping a good vibe in the dugout and the field to keep the team motivated and in the game, ready to go,” Adams said.
However, Simon has his own way of dealing with his slumps, helping him stay engaged in the game to do his very best, which could be a game changer once he returns.
“You have to change up all your drip to get out of batting slumps. Look good, play good. Walk up to the plate, wink at the pitcher knowing you’re going to hit a home run.
Confidence is the key to the game,” Simon said.
Finally, Pangallo talked about how much he loves this team and being able to coach his son is one of life’s pleasures.
“Every single one of these boys are special, I have no doubt they will do big things this season and in life. For my son (Connor Pangallo), being able to share this time of his life on the field before he moves on to his next chapter after high school.
Words cannot describe how privileged and the joy it brings me to coach him and everyone else on varsity at Homestead,” Pangallo said.
