Nothing is more exciting than a crack of a bat paired with hollering teammates after a home run! Luckily, when the Groves Falcons hit the field, home runs are no rarity. Every year, as soon as the snow clears, Groves’ very own baseball team hits the field. They put their all into the sport and it often pays off; the team often performs very well, which makes the season worthwhile. However, what is not seen by most is the work the team puts in during the off season.

The snow may stop some teams from practicing, but it sure doesn’t stop the Groves Falcons. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the Groves Baseball Team stays after school to work out. The coaches sponsor the workouts and make sure that their young players are doing the exercises correctly. Each day of the week is designated for a particular muscle group. The coaches are able to supervise and correct any mistakes in the player’s form. This opportunity has been very helpful for Groves’ starting pitcher Evan Stojanovic.

“During my sophomore year, the coaches were able to teach me how to efficiently and safely build muscle during the workouts, and I use what they taught me every day when I work out on my own,” said Stojanovic, a junior at Groves.

Taken during the 2022 Baseball season, this image captures star pitcher Evan Stojanovic pitching during an intense game.

The baseball team’s workout sessions have been a great starting point for many upperclassmen who now work out at private gyms on their own. In addition, it is a great introduction for underclassmen who don’t have much experience working out. Best of all, the workouts have proven year after year to be a great way for coaches to get to know players and teach them how to build muscle.

The team also holds indoor practices during the offseason at Groves. Players pitch, catch, field and run during these practices. Holding the practices as early as possible allows for the coaches to have more time to work with the players. Catcher Brady Vechazone says that these practices allow him to get to know his new teammates.

“I really enjoy building chemistry with the new pitchers, and the winter practices are a great way for me to get used to catching new pitchers coming to our team,” said Vechazone.

This picture taken on February 8th captures Brady Vechazone catching during a winter practice held in the Groves’ gymnasium.

The baseball team’s devotion to practicing over the winter doesn’t just end there. On Sundays, practices are held for the team at 2sp Training Center located in Madison Heights. The team works on all things baseball— including batting, pitching and fielding. These practices allow for extra practice on the weekends and prevent the team from collecting rust on their bats. The last thing the baseball team wants is a team full of out of practice players.

With the season right around the corner, the Groves Varsity Baseball Team will play Berkley High in their season opener. All of their practice throughout the winter should give them the upper hand in this game. Make sure to mark March 22nd on your calendar so you can see all the baseball team’s hard work put into action. Afterall, there is no better way to spend your afternoon than hearing the crack of a bat!