2010 Season Outlook
The Spartan baseball team is trying to get rid of that sour taste in their mouth that it got last season after losing in the championship game of the Region IV finals. That loss prevented the Spartans from earning their sixth consecutive trip to the NJCAA Division II World Series. The Spartans are looking not only for a return to the world series this season, but are also looking to get that prize that has eluded them in each of their other five world series appearances, the National Championship! “ We are looking forward to the opportunity to get back where we belong,” said head coach Bill Angelo. “We did not like where our season ended last year, and the guys are working extremely hard to make sure that we get back to the series.”
The Spartans understand that they have their work cut out for them to achieve such lofty goals with the region seemingly being as strong as it has been in years. However, they welcome this challenge and are committed to making it reality. This year’s team will be very fundamentally sound in all facets of the game and has shown that it’s willing to do all the little things that are necessary for success. Coach Angelo preaches that “character wins” and feels that he has a team of high character individuals. “We are very excited about this group, they have been tireless in their efforts so far, and we expect great things out of them,” added Angelo. “I really enjoy being around this team, and feel that their character is as good as their talent.”
The Spartans return three starters and one starting pitcher from last year’s team that won 38 games and was Region IV runner-up. That is not a concern though for the coaching staff because they have brought in a boatload of local talent and key transfers. “This year’s team will have the ability to win games in many different ways,” Coach Angelo stated. “Pitching, defense, and hitting will all be very consistent for us and I am excited to see these guys compete.”
Players choose to play baseball at Elgin Community College so that they can have an opportunity to get to a world series and compete for a national title. This year’s team has set its sights a little higher, Winning the National Title!