By Desiree Velazquez
It is the end of the day, and the baseball team forms a huddle after their fourth two-hour practice of the week. Hermen Davalos, Div. 478, is leading the chant “1,2,3 Lane!!! 1-2-3 together!!!”
Lane’s Varsity Boys’ Baseball team has taken a new approach to their season this year. Along with a new coach and a fresh look, they have new goals.
David Rivera, former coach at Northside College Prep, took over the head coaching job at Lane this school year and plans on using hard work to return Lane baseball back to the top. With practices four times a week there is no time for rest.
“This is my dream coaching job, and all my experience and sacrifice the past 19 years I feel has prepared me for this opportunity,” Rivera said.
Being a new coach has new responsibilities and means earning the respect of the players and parents. Rivera’s path to winning this respect is eased by the fact that he himself is a Lane Alum. Rivera played both football and baseball, and was an All-City catcher his senior year.
“I knew being a former Lane player would buy me some credibility with the players and parents,” Rivera said.
According to Rivera, Lane’s baseball program dates all the way back to 1914. Over the past 100 years, the team has won 22 City titles and two State championships. The last City title Lane baseball won was back in 2005.
“I love the challenge of getting LT baseball back to an elite level,” Rivera said.
One way Rivera hopes to do this is to condition not only the players’ bodies but also their minds. Three times a week the team meets for mental training where players discuss different tactics and approaches to the game. The coaches sometimes give PowerPoint presentations that highlight keys to success in baseball. This might include things like regrouping after making a fielding error or missing a coach’s sign. The coaches hope these lessons will help players to learn not only about baseball but also life in general.
“The bigger picture is to teach life skills through baseball that our seniors can take with them into manhood,” Rivera said.
Lane’s team will be led by seven seniors this season, including Sean Birt, Div. 451, who has high expectations for the team. He has kept an open mind about the new coach and his different approach to the game.
“I was disappointed to see our old coaches go,” Birt said, “but as soon as I met Coach Rivera and listened to his passion and intensity for the game, I knew he was a perfect fit for the program.”
The new coach is not the only new look for the team this year. The team will be wearing new uniforms. Players received new Nike sweaters, cleats, sweatpants, and shirts.
“I believe we can win no matter what we look like or what we are wearing, but it is a confidence boost for us,” Birt said.
Davalos believes that players will become more focused this year because of some new rules Coach Rivera has instituted. For example, players face consequences for every practice they miss. The first strike: a player is not allowed to attend the next practice. The second strike: the player will have a personal meeting with the coaches to discuss the next step for the player. The final strike: a possible suspension.
“I think these changes will be good for the team and motivate us even more to achieve glory,” Davalos said.
Davalos says it is important that seniors on the team lead by example, showing those who are new to the team what is expected of them.
“Being one of the few seniors on the team, the younger guys look at us to guide them and the team.”
Team unity is heavily stressed by Coach Rivera who preaches the value playing for each other and taking care of each other.
“Program unity and togetherness is at the heart of everything we do,” Rivera said.
The team’s first game is scheduled for March 17.
