MaxPreps Student SectionIt's been a tough start for
Graphic Communication Arts (New York, N.Y.) Devils this season. The varsity baseball team is not doing so well with a record of 1-6. Although they have the players that can lead them to playoffs, they can't put a finger on the problem is. Graphic Devils have not been obtaining records above .300 average since 2008 in the Manhattan A West Division. Their coach, Mike Muth, has lead the Devils to playoffs 6 times in the past years when the Varsity team was in the Manhattan B Division. With huge playoff accomplishments in years past, what could be the problem with this year?
The Devils have a tendency of beginning their season with a rough start. Last year, the Devils had their victory dance on the fifth game against Murry Bergtraum. Their first four games were very challenging since they faced teams who were first or second in the division. These teams included Norman Thomas, Frederick Douglass, and Beacon High School. "We always have trouble with Beacon. They're just that good" said Bryant Solano, the Devils' senior first baseman and pitcher. Their fifth game win was unfortunately followed by 7 losses.
The Devils have strong players there's no doubt about it. Seniors Steven De La Cruz,
Miguel Gil,
Alvin Gomez, and sophomore
Benny Lavergne have more than 4 hits and more than 2 RBI's a piece. Steven De La Cruz, a participant in the PSAL Junior Baseball Showcase, leads the team with 9 hits, 17 at bats, 5 RBI's, and 3 doubles. So why can't these Devils win games with players like Gil, De La Cruz, and Gomez? Their defense consist of Solano at first (whenever he is not pitching), De La Cruz – center, Gil - third, Gomez - second and Benny - left. Their bullpen is developing but they lack talented pitchers.
Based on the rate their going, the Devils won't be making it to playoffs if they don't act like a team and get it together. Last season, the Varsity baseball team was going the same direction. The Devils won the last three games consecutively making it a 4-11 record, finishing second to last in their division. From the looks of it, the Devils aren't taking advantage of their talent. For now they have seven skillful seniors who will no longer be playing for them next year. The large shoes most likely won't be filled based on the statistics of the underclassmen players. Only two underclassmen have averages of over .300. If Graphic Devils expect to make it to playoffs, they need to play hard and dedicate themselves. They must win the upcoming nine games with at least an average of .500.
Bryant Solano states "We can make it to the playoffs. We just need to stop worrying about our performance individually and play as a team. There is no I in team".
