Season Outlook
2009 is here and the Spartans have solidified themselves as one of the top Division II Junior College programs in the country. Over the last seven years the team has been consistently ranked among the top 15 teams in the country. For the last five years, the Spartans have earned the right to participate at the NJCAA DII JUCO World Series, with their best finish being 3rd in 2005. They are the only team in junior college baseball that has made five straight trips to the series. The Spartans have had several All-Americans and countless All-Region, and All-Conference players. Past Spartans have gone on to enjoy great careers at some of the best universities across the country. Many former Spartans from the Bill Angelo era have earned their bachelor’s and some their Master’s degrees. There is just one thing missing from all of the past successes that the Spartan baseball team has enjoyed, and that is a national championship. Coach Angelo and the ball club are shooting for history this season and trying to bring home a national championship. “I feel that we have some dominant pitching to go along with a very deep team, and feel that we should be able to compete for a sixth district title and a chance to bring home the national title,” said Coach Angelo. So, the question remains, is this the year the Spartans win it all?
With over half of this year’s team possessing national tournament experience and an extremely talented group of newcomers, this year’s team is up for the challenge of winning the school’s first ever national championship! “We feel that this group’s experience will really show up in their approach to games, and will pay dividends for us down the stretch,” said 12th year skipper Bill Angelo. This year’s group will embody some of the same characteristics as past Spartan teams. They will prepare relentlessly, they will play with passion and intensity at all times, they will respect all opponents, and they will conduct themselves with honor and integrity. These are some of the characteristics that have become the foundation of the Spartan baseball program. This year’s group is looking to take it one step further by having an unparalleled discipline in their approach and preparation.
Along with the team’s experience, Coach Angelo feels that this year’s team will be extremely talented on the mound. “I feel that this group is the deepest staff we have ever had. They should give us a chance to win everyday,” said Coach Angelo. The Spartans should also be very good on the defensive end as well with five starters back. “These guys really work hard on their defense, and they take a lot of pride in making the routine play,” stated Angelo. The squad will also feature a potent line-up that will have the ability to beat teams with their bats as well. “This year’s offense is well rounded and should be able to put runs on the board in a variety of ways,” Angelo added. The Spartans are excited to start the 2009 campaign, and their journey to the school’s first national title.