Take me out to ballgame. Take me out to the nest. Buy me some Ale-8 and Grippos.
Coach Brooks’ squad is confident that they have what it takes to do what hasn’t been done in eight years – bring the 10th Region title back to GRC.
“To win the first region title since 2017 would mean the world to me,” says senior Kamden McAlpin. “I have a great feeling about this group of guys and staff.”
Despite falling short of expectations last year, Coach Brooks is assured that the work his team has put in this offseason will result in nothing short of greatness.
“They have worked extremely hard to get better,” says Coach Brooks. “They put in the work, they put in the time, they put in the effort, and now it’s time to go play to see what else we need to keep working on and improve to be the best team we can be at the end of the year.”
Losing in the 10th Region Semifinal to Mason County last year has fueled the fire for this year.
“Falling short last year has really been a motivator for this year, as there were high expectations for last year too, and it hurt not to succeed,” said senior Ben Fulks. “There is nothing worse than watching another team celebrate, while the realization of playing your last game with your seniors sets in.”
The loss of last year’s seniors was a devastating blow to say the least, as 11 seniors were a part of last year’s team. However, Coach Brooks believes his seniors this year have seamlessly taken on these new roles as leaders.
“I couldn’t ask for a better group of seniors,” says Brooks. “I’ve got eight quality young men and they’ve all assumed the roles, stepping in to replace some of the great players we lost last year. It’s getting to the point now where they’re starting to lead themselves, and that’s the making of something special.”
Needless to say Coach Brooks is extremely hopeful for their season this year, and rightfully so. The success of this GRC squad also rides heavily on the younger core.
“Having multiple guys from the class of ‘27 playing big roles in our team’s success means so much,” says sophomore Abrahm Howard. “With all the hard work and dedication we have devoted to the sport, it leaves us hopeful in knowing that we have a great shot at making a deep post-season run this year, and in years to come.”
To Coach Brooks, fun is a big part of why his guys should enjoy what they do so much. This philosophy has led to connection and bonding with one another, on and off the field.
“The biggest thing is a lot of just team bonding, getting to know each other, having fun,” says Coach Brooks. “I’m a big component of fun, because what I tell these kids all the time is, ‘None of you are getting paid; let’s go have fun.’ I think that will hopefully show up when they play the games, and just show how much they enjoy being around each other and how much they enjoy playing for each other.”
The constant circle back to playing for one another and playing to have fun creates a bond deeper than any other, as often times people get caught up in the pressure they and their coaches place on them. Safe to say Coach Brooks is one of a kind.
“Coach Brooks has taught us not only how to be good baseball players, but how to be good people, and men,” says Fulks. “He has taught us direction and purpose.”
Furthermore, a big strength the Cards possess is their depth.
“One of our bigger strengths is gonna be just the depth we have on the mound,” says Coach Brooks. We’ve been nonstop getting 11 different guys ready to pitch varsity and not a lot of teams can say that. There’s not a big major drop off from the number one to the number 11 and just the quality of guys we have.”
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