As Lakeside High School’s baseball team embarks on another season, a new philosophy is taking shape on the diamond, emphasizing not just talent but the crucial elements of baseball IQ, character, and resilience. This season, the team is looking to build on a strong foundation of offseason preparation and a tightly-knit team culture to achieve their goals of winning the region, making the playoffs, and securing over 20 wins.
Coach Brian Granger, now in his seventh year at the helm of the baseball program and his eighth year working at Lakeside, detailed the rigorous tryout process that sets the tone for the season. “ Aggressiveness, Intelligence, and character” were the key metrics sought this year, Granger explained. The tryouts themselves are a three-day evaluation, meticulously assessing players across fielding, hitting, baserunning, and, importantly, their character. “ The biggest things that impress me, outside of raw talent, are Baseball IQ, Character, and ability to overcome adversity,” Granger stated. This focus on intangible qualities highlights a strategic shift towards developing well-rounded athletes.
In a sport that often demands specialization, Coach Granger underscored the value of versatility. “ I absolutely value utility players,” he commented. “We do not have enough players in the program to have a lot of depth. So players who play multiple positions are extremely valuable.” This practical approach means that players who can contribute across various roles will be instrumental to the team’s success. Granger’s overall philosophy is adaptable, stating, “We take the talents we have from year to year and construct our style on specific talents of that team.” This ensures that the team’s gameplay remains dynamic and suited to its players.
Senior Maurice Underwood, a four-year baseball veteran, embodies the team’s dedication. Underwood, who focuses on first base and pitching, has been preparing diligently. “I prepared myself by working out during the off-season,” he shared, highlighting the team’s commitment to offseason conditioning that began in September and continues through December. Underwood feels confident about his preparedness, noting, “ I focus on first base and the pitcher. I feel really good about my depth at first base.”
Underwood’s personal goals for the season are ambitious: hitting over 300, hitting home runs, and making it to the playoffs. His motivation stems from a desire for self-improvement. “My why is me trying to become the best version of myself? My mom motivates me the most,” he revealed. Underwood also sees himself stepping into a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion. “The team can pick up one another when someone is down,” he said when asked how the team can best support each other. He described the team chemistry as “Very tight and good this year,” noting that many players have grown up together since freshman year, fostering a family-like atmosphere.
The team’s offseason workouts, which begin in September and run until Christmas, are crucial for building this chemistry and culture, according to Coach Granger. With a blend of skilled players, a focus on adaptable strategy, and a strong sense of camaraderie, Lakeside’s baseball team is poised for a competitive and engaging season.
