By Emma Bonanno and Kendall Upchurch – Staff Reporters

As the spring air begins to settle over the diamond, there is a sense of urgency and brotherhood surrounding the Jonathan Law baseball team. 

The Lawmen will be led by four senior captains – Marcus Townes, Aiden Ramos, Brady O’Neil, and Aidan Rascati.

“The obvious goal is to win States,” O’Neil said.  “This is our last year playing together, with a lot of us being really close friends since elementary school, so we all want to go out with a bang.” 

For the team’s upperclassmen, the focus is on leaving a lasting legacy. 

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is to not only lead with my words, but to lead with my actions,” O’Neil said. “Not everyone is going to listen to you, or take you seriously 100% of the time, so reinforcing those statements with physical demonstrations during practice or games will make people more inclined to follow in my footsteps.” 

Sophomore Connor Ryan said he feels confident heading into the new season. 

“It feels good to be out of the ‘freshman phase,’” Ryan said. “The biggest lesson I learned is that a spot on the team isn’t just going to be handed to you and you actually are going to have to work for it.”

Freshman Cole Veteri has set several goals for the season.

“(My goals are) to improve individual skills and succeed in working together as a team to make the playoffs,” Veteri said. 

Veteri is a proud to be a part of the team and is looking to make an immediate contribution. 

“To put on the jersey for the first time was very rewarding and an unforgettable experience,” Veteri said. “It is a moment that will always stick with me throughout my high school career.” 

Whether it’s the underclassmen or the seniors who have been teammates since childhood, the chemistry is growing with the team. 

“Our team culture has changed because we have so many first-year Varsity players and ninth graders on the roster,” Head Coach Mr. Simler said. “Our veteran players have embraced this and are helping create a culture of working hard everyday to get better.”

The goals for this spring are clear: improve individual skills and put the team in a position to make States. 

“We have a fun group this year with a shot to do something by the time playoffs come,” O’Neil said.