By: Joshua Choe, Staff Writer

The Mills JV and Varsity baseball practice is in full swing, with the expected season to last from March to June. California’s red tier sports list includes baseball, as it is a moderate contact sport. With practice in session, players are getting back on the grind in an environment different from what they’ve seen in the past years. To ensure the players’ safety, there are procedures that players must follow to be admitted to practice. 

Seniors, Nikolas Janke and Ryan Nakasu describe practice as being “no different from normal practices with the exception of having to wear a mask.” Before practices, Coaches McWhirter (JV) and Adornetto (Varsity)  takes the players’ temperatures, prior to being admitted onto campus. Similar to other sports teams, students must also check-in on the “LiveSafe” app, which asks questions regarding prior exposure to COVID-19. As per the usual baseball practices,, the team practices throwing, running, and infielding. There have not been any changes to the normal practice routine. Both Janke and Nakasu are excited about practices starting again, with Nakasu stating, “I hope we get a season this year, so I can get out of the house to play the sport I love and get back into shape.”. 

Though it’s uncertain if there actually will be a competition season, both players are still hoping for one. In the meantime, players are working on improving their performance levels. Although Janke claimed his  confidence about his performance from practicing outside of school, he recognizes other players haven’t been playing since last year. Nakasu, who is among the majority of players uncertain about performance ability, elaborated that “being stuck at home [during the] majority of the off-season” has hindered his skills. 

The Thunderbolt hopes that the baseball team keeps up the great work and has fun despite the inconveniences brought upon their current season!