When you first look at the baseball roster for this year, one thing jumps out at you: youth. As arguably the youngest varsity sports team at FHC, this year’s baseball team is filled with numerous sophomores, a large majority of juniors, and a few seniors.

After having a succesful season last year, the young team will hope to improve individually and as a team this spring. According to head baseball coach Mark Rasmussen, the team’s main goal this year will be to improve on a daily basis.

“Our biggest goal is to improve every day,” said Rasmussen, who is entering his second year at the helm. “The biggest improvement that we need to see from last year is we need consistency. We need solid pitching and solid defense.”

With such a young team, the Rangers will rely on a few key senior leaders this year, including senior shortstop Connor Kelly, who is entering his fourth year on varsity.

“The young guys have been working really hard and have been really dedicated,” said Kelly, who signed to play Division Two baseball at Harding University this winter. “We have a young team, but the younger guys are really talented and I am looking forward to a good season this year.”

The sophomores and juniors on this team may be young, but they are not new to the sport at all. They include Miko Rodriguez, the #3 ranked sophomore in the country by UA baseball factory, as well as Nate Doolittle, Jake Heilman, two players that will play significant roles this year pitching and catching.

Rasmussen knows that the team is young, but is counting on the talent and experience of his players in order to have a successful year.

“The young players have spent a great deal in the wt. room and have really improved their skills,” said Rasmussen.

Rasmussen will be counting on players like Kelly, as well as the younger players. He knows that youth will be a factor this year, but also hopes that the young players’ skill can help the team improve and grow from last year.

“Connor Kelly is the key to the team. He is a 4 year varsity player. Sean Wing, Bryson Schneider, Miko Rodriguez, Johnny Irish, Nate Doolittle, and Jake Heilman are expected to have a big year,” said Rasmussen. “We hope to improve from day to day.”