Johanna Lee '25
Apr 14, 2023
Blue Storm baseball has gotten off to a promising start to the season, posting a 5-3 record after a four-game winning streak. The team played in the Reisner-Gift Invitational Tournament this past weekend and protected the house with two wins. Throughout the games, head coach Josh Edgin ‘06 emphasized the importance of players’ attitudes off the field and in-between innings to convey that baseball is more than a win or a loss. The team is looking to build on its early success and continue to grow and improve throughout the season.
“The first few games have been great. We learned some things about our team and will use what we learned to continue to grow and get better,” said Edgin. While the team is facing some challenges with an uncharacteristically small roster and an upperclass-heavy team, they remain optimistic and eager to compete.
“The only thing that has changed has been the number of students that want to play baseball. We had a JV team when I was here. Now we only have one team," noted Edgin. “But I'm excited to see how the year plays out. The first year is always a fun year, especially getting to see how we match up in the MAPL.”
The team relies on its experienced, older players, who are expected to lead the team both on and off the field. "Our key players are our seniors. They will carry our team wherever we go," said Edgin. The team has also seen strong performances from its pitchers, including Matt Archibald ‘23 and Arjun Patel ‘23, both of whom have helped the team win multiple games.
Ryan Maclnnis, ‘23 said, "So far this season, Archibald is pitching insanely well as is Patel. Our catchers have put in a lot of work this offseason and it is very noticeable. At this point, we as a team have a few adjustments to make to keep winning, and once those are made, we are definitely going to be a dangerous team.”
Despite the individual nature of baseball, the team prides itself on playing as a cohesive unit and putting forth the extra effort. "Being coached by a former big leaguer is very different and you are always learning. Coach Edgin's knowledge of the game is almost overwhelming at times but his advice always works. I think the difference is in the details of hustling on and off the field, how we warm up and prepare for a game. Baseball is commonly thought of as a very individual game but Mercersburg plays as a team," added Maclnnis.
The Blue Storm baseball team has proven successful so far this season with new spirit and energy brought by Edgin. The team seems poised to make a deep run in the MAPL, and their early success and dedication to teamwork is well-improving their chances of achieving their goals.