Photo Story: Boys Baseball 2024

1) Senior Chase Jones fields a ground ball against Ankeny Centennial. Jones stated, “Everything was a lot more team-oriented, it was a lot more trust, a little bit more pressure, when you play varsity for the first time, a lot more pressure.”

2) Chris Peterson, a graduate, holds up a fellow teammate prior to a home game against the Valley Tigers. “When we build that friendship, there is a huge amount of trust that allows us to play the game smoothly and trust each other in big moments,” Peterson described.

3) Drew Fitzpatrick, senior, pitches against Ankeny Centennial. Fitzpatrick recalled, “I just took a deep breath and stayed focused [when playing in a big game] because ups and downs are part of the sport.”

4) Graduate Gus Ruggle, crosses home plate in the state qualifier game. “Making it [the state tournament] was huge and probably the most fun I had playing in a game” Ruggle expressed.

5) Senior, Tanner Jackson, jogs back to the dugout following the end of an inning in the first round of substate. Jackson said, “Being a Designated Hitter, not being able to play the field, it part of the game and changing my mindset a lot and mentally preparing myself for that being you sit in the dugout beating yourself up after at-bats.”

6) Luke Eibes, a graduate, jumps into the air with a fellow teammate. Eibes stated, “Everyone was always there for each other and those summer days together brought everyone closer together.”

7) Andrew Eastman, senior, begins his run around the bases following a homerun hit against cross-town rival Waukee. “My favorite memory would be when we were playing Waukee at Waukee and I hit a 2-run home run. This was my favorite memory in a game because it was my first home run on varsity “ Eastman recalled.

8) Charlie Berdovich, junior, pitches in the second round of substate. “You just have to take it in [when in an important game] take a deep breath, and visualize having success before the game,” Berdovich described.