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A new opportunity for the Bellwood-Antis baseball club has been put into action this school year. Players now have the chance to lift in the weight room after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the fall season. This is an addition to last year’s norm, when players were accustomed to hitting in the cages at the baseball facility, as well as work on their defensive and footwork skills.

Support and participation has come from numerous players on the team in their determination to prepare for the season and ultimately become stronger. This opportunuty for the team also provides the platform for upcoming players to earn a spot on the team by showcasing their abilities.

“I love that we have an opportunity to work to get better in the off season, and develop my skill sets and make gains in the weight room,” said junior Jake Bollinger, who has been on the JV team and now moves up to the varsity team.

 Jake has been an unseen hero for the baseball team in his recent years, and is looking to use this off season to make a good impression for coaches when the season comes around in the spring.

 Logan Mock, another junior for the Blue Devils, has been trying to earn a varsity jerseys for two years, continuously working on his skills throughout the year.

“I think it helps with my performance, and I’m improving my hitting drastically,” Mock said.

Both of these players are looking for a winning season, and with the opportunity of the fall workouts, they strive to be an impacting factor part of the cause.  

In addition to the players taking their time to improve, coaches also have as sizable role in providing this stage for players to improve their skills. Head Coach Steve Conlon is gearing up for his 17th season for the Mighty Blue. 

Over the years, Conlon has seen all sorts of characters, emotions, wins and losses, and with the addition of the fall workouts, he has several victories in his sight.

 “The players that have been showing up to the workouts have been dedicated and working hard in the weight room as well as the batting cages. Anytime you have players willing to come in and work well before the season is a positive, hopefully the players that have been dedicated will see positive gain this season,” said coach Conlon.

 In addition to this, Coach Tom Partner, an assistant coach for the Blue Devils in his 13th year at B-A, said, “Although our numbers are fairly low, the individuals who have been taking advantage of the opportunity are working hard and getting better in preparation for the 2020 season.” 

Coach P provides the brick and mortar foundation for the Blue Devils infield, and is patiently waiting for the next district and state titles. As the fall continues to roll on into winter, players on the Bellwood baseball team will continue to enhance their skills in preparation for the 2020 season. 

When the snow melts away come spring, the Devils will definitely be a strong and ready force in central PA.