With a 12-2 record last season and being ranked top 10 in NYC, the Francis Lewis baseball team fell short last season in the playoffs from a championship run. After that tough loss in the Sweet 16, the boys thought everything was over since this was some players’ last ever high school game and the amazing season they had was all over. Now, with key returning players and a new mindset, the Patriots are ready to start their new season with one main goal which is to come back even stronger to prove they deserve to be at the top and bring a chip home.
With key returnees, as well as some strong upperclass leadership, have created a team atmosphere where all the players are working hard to build friendship and trust among each other. Upperclassmen have stepped up to bring the team even closer together and have set the stage for what is expected of them as players. After many months of hard work in the off-season, the players show great improvement in their individual skills but are also full of self-confidence.
“I feel great. We have a lot of youth. We have a lot of kids that are graduating off,” said head coach Mr. Gerloven. “So it’s a combination of whether or not the seniors can teach the underclassmen, the freshmen and the sophomores everything they’ve learned so that they can continue to grow and get better next year.”
The Patriots had an amazing season last year having a record of 12-2, and being top 6 in NYC. Unfortunately the boys had a tough loss in the playoffs against George Washington High School with the game ending 3-8. They worked very hard all year, being top 6 in NYC and also having consistent performances every game. After falling short in the playoff game against George Washington ended their playoff run and stopped their chance of taking a championship home. But at the end of the day, the boys left the field with a sense of accomplishment.
‘’It was rough. You know, there were a lot of seniors. You know, me being a junior. A lot of kids that I knew I was going to miss. Spent three years with. They were like brothers, you know. But, I mean, we knew, we knew we had a successful season.’’ said captain Renos Pagiotakis. ‘’It wasn’t a good feeling at all. We had a very talented team, but it’s what motivates a team to get hungrier the next year.’’ said Head coach Gerloven.
Team chemistry is one of the most noticeable aspects of this season. The older guys have taken care of business by making sure all players are working hard and providing a foundation for the team. The older players support younger players with their transition into the system, push them hard during practice, and ensure no one is falling behind. During the time the boys have been together they have built a very close relationship. Winning is no longer about which player had a better game than the other. It’s about having fun with your teammates and trusting one another on and off the field.
‘’You know, like keeping the guys together. Having everyone stay focused, you know, stay positive. Just, you know, going out with confidence every day.’’ said Renos. ‘’Just trying to keep our heads up. Trying to know that we are one of the better teams. That we can beat them. That we are capable of doing it. We just got to stay locked in and just win.’’ said Senior Espn.
After the way last season ended, the Patriots are coming into this year with something to prove. The boys are not trying to have another good season, they want to go further this time. That tough loss in the playoffs is still in their minds, and that’s what’s been pushing them everyday at practice and games. This Patriots team knows they have what it takes. This year its all about getting further this time in the playoffs and bringing a championship home.
‘’Playoffs or bust. I think these kids, 12-2 record, sixth seed, New York City last year. There’s no reason to believe they can’t repeat and do something very similar this year.’’ said coach Gerloven. ‘’ Just win. Just win as much as possible. Um, you know, that’s really what it comes down to. You can say all the little stuff, but just win at the end of the day.’’ said Renos.
As the boys gear up for the season, there’s also a sense of pride in seeing two of their leaders take the next step. Renos Pagiotakis and Espn fan have both committed to play college baseball after high school, turning years of hard work into real opportunities. Seeing guys they’ve practiced and grown to reach that level makes it feel possible for everyone else, too. And for Renos and Espn, it adds even more meaning to this season, as they look to finish their high school careers strong.
‘’A lot of talks with a lot of different coaches and, you know, seeing how their program was looking moving forward, how it looked in the past, how well respected they are, you know, finances, it all comes down to one big thing. So, you know, I thought it was the best fit for me.’’ said Renos committed to College of Staten Island. ‘’So I’m committed to SUNY Purchase and this squad is just everything I’m looking for. Has a starting spot for me waiting there and competitive ball. I just can’t wait to join the squad.’’ said Espn fan committed to SUNY Purchase.
The bottom line is that this year has meant more to boys than just a loss. The tough loss they had last year in the playoffs has still been a part of them but now it’s all focus for them to go even further. The boys have become closer as a team, more confident in what they are doing, and more focused on getting the goal they want to get to as a team. What matters most about for the boys this year is not just winning games or finishing at the top of their division, but rather spending more time together, supporting each other along the way, and how they can bring a championship home.
‘’ I think this team, this year’s team is similar to last year’s team, you know, just expecting to win, you know, going out confident, going out, you know, feeling like we are the better team. So I just think we keep that moving forward, just keep the experience we have. We got an older group, so yeah.’’ said Renos. ‘’We have a lot of seniors, so a lot of people who are four-year players and three-year players. People that have already learned the system and learned different things and now can pass it and pay it forward. Said coach Gerloven.
As the season gets underway, the Patriots aren’t just chasing wins they’re chasing redemption for what happened last year. Every game. Every practice and every time they spend on and off the field carries a moment from last year’s ending. With their mindset knowing they can get even further, stronger leadership, strong chemistry. Now, with the new season starting, it’s all focus on how they can respond from last year and bring a championship home.
‘’We have to make sure we’re working harder so that people that are coming after us this year we’re able to defend and justify why we are where we are.’’ said coach Gerloven
