As the Porter High School baseball team steps up to the plate this season, they’re hoping to make the school proud and continue to nourish the team bond forged through years of dedication and teamwork. In a series of interviews with key players, the passion for the sport and the team’s aspirations shine through, highlighting the essence of what makes this team what it is.

So far the school has played a total of twenty-two games so far: winning seventeen, losing four, and tying one. Six of these games were district where they won three and lost three. Caden Kiefer says “We started really well, we’re in a little bit of a slump right now, but we should get back up.” “I think we’re doing alright. We’re not where we want to be but we definitely have opportunities to get to where we want to be, we just have to keep putting in the work” Payton Evans-Pickens, states.

Sometimes, however, baseball is about more than the record left after the games. Haiden Wyeth states, “I enjoy the mental aspect of the game and how you always have to be thinking about what’s happening next.” Coach Jackson says, “The challenge behind the game of baseball is what makes it most enjoyable. You’ll never be perfect in the game of baseball, but it is a game of how often can you be perfect. The work that goes into throwing strikes, fielding a ground ball, and putting good swings on the ball consistently is what makes the game fun.” Many of the players, however, say they play for the friendships made along the way.

Coach Jackson said that every team has a different personality and that this year’s team seems to really like each other and has a lot of fun playing together. When asked about what the environment is like on the team, all of the players had positive responses. “I think it’s pretty good. I think everybody kind of adapts to each other. We all have pretty special and tight bonds” Evans-Pickens said. “I think this is one of our better teams within the past years.” Haiden Wyeth said. “We don’t have as many impactful guys on the team that we have had in the past, but I think we have enough chemistry to take us pretty far.”

Tyrus Moore exclaims “Baseball is hard, you have to put a lot of effort into it. It takes a lot of work and dedication, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

A lot of the players have played the game since they were as young as four. Many have played from a range of twelve to fifteen years in total. Many such as Haiden Wyeth and Lincoln hope to play in college, others such as Caiden Kiefer and Peyton McGeorge have already committed to play for colleges, and some plan to quit after high school. “At some point you have to hang your cleats,” Evans-Pickens says.

In the end, it’s not just about the wins and losses—it’s about the journey, the friendships forged, and the memories created on and off the field. For the Porter High School baseball team, this season is not just about the games they play, but the legacy they leave behind—a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering camaraderie.