Lancer Baseball Excited For League

Grace Brethren Baseball looks to keep things rolling after a big time win over Moorpark High School. The Lancers are senior heavy with eight on the team and four currently committed to division one programs and one setting his sights on being drafted into the major league. The Lancers are led by Mark Fitzgerald, GBHS class of 2011. Coach Fitzgerald continued his baseball career at Moorpark College and Oxnard College. After excelling at community college, Coach Fitzgerald continued to play baseball in Wenham, Massachusetts at Gordon college where he coached after he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He coached at Gordon College for two years as the infield and hitting coach. Coach Ftizgerald also coached at Salem High School in Massachusetts as a Varsity pitching coach. After coaching in Massachusetts, he came back to coach at his alma mater, Grace Brethren High School as the Infield and Hitting coach for the past two years. He is also a coach for The Hit Factory in Newbury Park. When asked what he is most excited about going into his first year as a head coach: “We’re excited for league, the grueling non-league schedule will prepare the Lancers for league foes. The atmosphere and competition in league is just different. We’re also excited to fight to bring home a league championship this year.” 

Senior Josh Swales, a verbal commit to Arizona and major league draft prospect, says he is approaching his senior year by setting small achievable goals that lead to the ultimate goal of getting drafted. Seniors Dante Zamudio, Nevada commit and JJ Frazier are excited for a chance to compete for a league championship. They praised Coach Fitzgerald for his ability to have fun but lead the team in a God glorifying way. “It is not uncommon to hear Coach Fitzgerald relate baseball to life scenarios” explained Dante Zamudio. 

Senior Andrew Sharp, Cal State Bakersfield commit, says he loves the small school experience. "The ability to know everyone on the team on a personal level is exciting. It creates a special bond." Andrew’s approach to the season is to lead and be a man of God before a baseball player. Senior Hunter Scribner is enjoying his final season as a Lancer, his goal is to leave everything on the field. He wants to compete every second while on the field or in the dugout. When discussing his relationship with Coach Fitzgerald, Scribner says, "coach is fun, laid back but work means work. Coach knows when to flip the switch, bring energy and get work done."

Coach Fitzgerald's message to the team: Be uncomfortable! Try things that are new. Have the ability to take direction from coaches and players and learn from those around you. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Baseball is a hard sport! Failure is going to happen, how you respond to those failures is what will push you to be a better you! 

Grace baseball plays Kennedy/La Palma on Saturday 3/21 at home, first pitch is set for 11:00 am.