Danbury High school baseball is on its way with its first scrimmage of the season against Bethel. Bethel made it to the SWC championship last year and is coming to try to make a statement. Danbury going into this season as underdogs being eliminated in the first round in the fciac and not even making states. Other teams are talking about how Danbury is not going to do well this season due to the fact “they don’t got pitching, they lost all their seniors, and the team is full of young players” coming from other teams.
The Hatters took the field for their first scrimmage of the season, showing potential while also revealing areas that need improvement. While Danbury made a strong initial statement, the message was clear “This was just the beginning, and there is plenty of work to be done” said by Coach Wren
Early in the scrimmage, the Hatters displayed solid discipline at the plate, with players like Gary, Brian, and Dustin setting the tone. Hustle was another standout trait, as Jacob’s aggressive baserunning and Andrew’s effort demonstrated the kind of intensity the team needed. Defensively, plays like Brian’s smart cutoff adjustment and Jacob’s strong throw showcased the fundamentals that will be crucial all season long.
However, not everything was as sharp as it needed to be. Some players were caught off guard playing different positions, and effort levels dipped toward the end. Coaches emphasized the importance of staying locked in, no matter the situation. Players were also reminded that every role matters whether its pinch hitting, pinch running, or playing out of position, preparation is key.
This scrimmage provided a strong foundation, but it meant nothing when the Hatters stepped onto the field against newton. Improvement is the goal, and as Aaron Judge himself said, even the best players in the world still find ways to get better. The Hatters have the potential to be special this year, but that will only happen if they continue to push forward and never settle.
Saturday’s second scrimmage will be another chance to apply these lessons against newton. Until then “the focus remains on preparation, hustle, and a commitment to the details that will define the season.” says coach Wrenn.