The junior varsity and varsity players huddle around coach Mark George before breaking into groups for a quick, drill-filled practice. Shouts of praise and instructions are exchanged among everyone. No captains or seniors lead the practice. No seniority stands out, only the authority of George surveying every hit, run and pitch.

Senior leadership is a vital part of keeping the boys baseball team strong.

"I always try to emphasize (the seniors) thinking about the legacy they want to leave with the program," George said.

Since baseball leagues organize players into broad age groups, many of the boys have played together since before high school.

"Baseball is slumped into two classes brought together," George said. "Relationships are already established among players."

Team bonding includes the whole varsity team as opposed to sifting out the underclassmen from the seniors. The players normally hang out, watch movies together and eat team dinners at various players’ houses before games. George also emphasizes the seniors continue adding building blocks.

"People look up to us to be leaders," Gilbert said.

Senior John Spinder says George reminds the seniors of team goals and what the team wants to achieve.

"We want to make another appearance at state," Spinder said.

The team hopes to win league, take regionals and do well at state.

"When something goes wrong, the seniors have to be the ones that pick up the team," Spinder said. "After we make an error, we move on. (Seniors) don’t let others see you hang your head. We look to the next play."

Seniors signify a vital part of the team because most have been in the varsity program for two to three years.

"I don’t think they can assume they can get away with anything," George said. "(Seniors show) leadership for the younger guys. (They) set examples by their effort, day in and day out of practice."