IRVINE- The six Patriot seniors proudly expressed their accomplishments in “America’s favorite pastime,” baseball. They strived for a spot in CIF competition and achieved their goal by working as a cohesive unit. This season was especially meaningful to three of the senior players who have been on the team since their freshman year: Ryan Berry, Luis Garcia, and Thomas Crouch. The team has grown into a family, one the seniors admitted they would miss.

Seniors Ryan Berry, Thomas Crouch, Luis Garcia, Scott Myers, Ian Rosenberg, and Brady Schwartz have already begun to miss the bond created within the team and coaches. “This year our team had a really good chemistry. The coaches really seemed to have brought us all together,” stated Rosenberg. The players mentioned that communication benefited outcomes of games, as opposed to last year where there was a lack of sportsmanship. This season a new coach helped guide them to fulfill their goals. Sharing his appreciation, Berry also gave thanks to Coach Zach Reeder for “being a big help” to all the players. The connections the coaches made with their players helped them to improve communication and unity on the field.

With each player teaching another something new, everyone learned from each other throughout the season. Schwartz expressed how his teammate, Julio Suarez “worked the hardest out of anybody” and how “it was really motivating to have him come to practice everyday and work really hard.” The underclassmen impacted the older, as well as younger players for the better of the team. This strengthened the bond and brought them together as a family. “We’re like brothers,” commented Berry.

Ignoring the fact that they would be leaving behind the team, the seniors thought back to cherish able memories that made them smile. Rosenberg was proud of “beating Laguna hills, 9-0,” but also because they were basically the only team to “not only beat them but annihilate their entire game plan."

Another fond memory was when Huntington Beach played against Beckman. Garcia remarked, “Nobody expected us to win and we [went] out there and just destroyed them.” These are just a few examples of Patriot triumphs.

Though it's tough to end their season, it's even tougher to say goodbye to their high school teams. “I’ll miss Riley Yang and the team,” said Thomas Crouch. They carry with them pleasant and unpleasant memories. Although Scoot Myers collaborated with the Patriots for the first time this year, he shared “ I’m the most proud of being a part of this team.” The six senior patriots have earned what they’ve worked hard to obtain by setting goals like making playoffs, and little by little, as a team, they became victorious. Hoping the underclassmen follow through in the years to come, Luis Garcia has some final words for them. “Enjoy your baseball season. Enjoy every moment because for some of you guys it will be the last time you play.”