Trip Down South Helped Highland Baseball Head North

For the past decade the baseball team has used its spring break to travel down south—way south.

The Tartans have made a tradition of boarding a plane and flying down to Florida to take on teams form all around the country. This year was no different, as Highland flew down to Fort Pierce to compete in four games. And although the trip lasted only a few days, it did wonders for the team. Highland left for Florida with an 0-3 record and a lack of confidence. The team returned with three wins in its pocket and the realization that, despite graduating 12 seniors from last year’s team, it can more than hold its own.

“This was one of the times where the trip came at a really good time for us,” said Highland coach DJ Gore. “We leave 0-3 and we come back 3-4. It was a great team-building and team-bonding experience.”

Senior Frank Angeloni said the trip brought the guys together and helped show what the team is capable of when everyone buys in.

“It got us packed together and we really just battled and became baseball players against the good teams down there,” Angeloni said. “We hit well the whole time down there and did good. It helped us out a lot.”

Part of Highland’s slow start may have been linked to the team’s inexperience. The team is loaded with first-year varsity players and they may have been pressing a little bit to make an early impression. Gore said the trip helps the players clear their mind, which is why he is glad the tradition has continued.

“(The trip is) something we have done for the past 10 years and something we will try to always continue to do,” said Gore. “You just get away. You get away and the kids get a chance to bond. You just play baseball; there are no distractions down there.”

Since returning home the Tartans have played at a much higher level. They have won three-of-five and have once again put themselves in position to qualify for the postseason. If Highland is to make a run in the playoffs the players may look back to their spring break trip to Florida as a season-saver.

“I said in the beginning of the year that we would play better as the year went on and I think obviously we are playing better as the year has gone on,” Gore said. “These are first-year varsity guys that are getting experience. I think come state tournament time we will be a tough out for somebody. We just have to continue to keep working hard and keep getting better.”