The Sage Informer

Mixed feelings are floating around with the baseball team’s senior night. This year’s seniors have been an important part of the program for the last four years. With 10 seniors leaving this year, the baseball team will look to find new leaders in upcoming seasons.

Some important leaders of the team have made lasting impacts for the program. With bright futures, the senior class has really stepped up and set the bar high for future classes. Senior Eli Craft is committed to playing baseball at John A. Logan Community College. He stated, “it will definitely be different from highschool ball in the sense that it will be way more competitive and the games are way more advanced.” Monticello Sages Baseball has become a firm foundation and beginning for many players who succeed in their careers later on. 

For some it’s the end, and for some it’s just the beginning, but for everyone, senior night is a bittersweet game. Craft said the thing he will miss most is the people. “They have had a huge impact on me these past four years and it’s gonna be sad saying goodbye.”

 The feeling is mutual throughout underclassmen as well. Sophomore Dawson Gaitros said that this years’ seniors “are always positive and have really good energy, they always seem to be there to pick you up when feeling down.” He also feels that next year will be a totally different environment without them.

On the same subject, Gaitros mentioned, “Next year there won’t be many seniors compared to this year, so I’m hoping there isn’t a lack of leadership, unlike this year, with many good leaders and role models.” 

The baseball program has developed strongly because of the class of 25’ and many younger players have learned from the best. Craft’s advice to the younger players wanting to succeed is “the game rewards the grind, and if you want to play in the future, you have to put in extra work and pay attention to details.”

 To be the best, you have to learn from the best. Strong role-models impact a player’s career drastically. Gaitros said he has learned a lot from the seniors. The most important thing he’s been taught is “no matter who we play we can compete with”. He says this improved his confidence and without confidence on the baseball field, you won’t perform to your full potential.

All in all, senior night can be a sad but fun, nostalgic game to remember all the work they’ve put in over the years and thank them for everything. The seniors have made a lasting impact on the program and have encouraged and taught underclassmen so they can keep up the program’s success.

Annie Robinson, Staff Writer

roban27@sages.us