Swinging for Success

STANCE! Pirates Caleb Connor (9th) and Sebastian Gallez (11th) are in a pickle! Caleb runs to third trying to not get tagged. Photo courtesy of Ashley Rice (11th)

Baseball has been around at Vashon High School since 2007. Since then, the strong community spirit and sense of teamwork has never left. As of the 2024-2025 season these pirates currently have a batting average of 0.254 which is a ratio of how many hits to times on base. They have 78 plate appearances and 15 runs, meaning they hit all 3 bases and home base. They have an on base average of 0.429 which is a percentage of how frequently they get on base via hit, or getting a walk from being hit.

Baseball has many unique components such as techniques like defense, pitching, catching, batting lineups, base running and many more. Some high scoring batters for the team are Josh Healey with an batting average of 0.213, and Charlie Walker with an average of 0.279. Pitchers include Charlie Walker, Brent Calhoun, and Jude Dardeau.Catchers include Oliver Scriver and Sebastian Gallez. Players work on individual skills and team skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, adaption, and worth ethic. Many people say the most important jobs are the pitcher and catcher. The catcher's job is to watch over the field and make calls, and the pitchers have various pitches and aims to throw off batters.

Not only is baseball a complex sport, it is embedded in Vashon High School’s culture, history, values, and development. Many students here have amazing things to say about the team

Students have various reasons for what makes baseball such a positive space for them. The practices are challenging but fun, and it can feel like a family.

¨The entire team feels like one big family with our new coaching this season. You know it feels more like a family than ever,¨ said senior Creig Habrat.

Not only is the new coach, Kyle Antonolis, well respected, players also appreciate the sportsmanship from their teammates. ¨I would say my favorite part of baseball is the team atmosphere and the sportsmanship that our team carries,”said sophomore Oliver Scriver.

Other players agreed that sportsmanship is one of the main reasons they enjoy being on the team.“It's very kind you know, everyone looks out for each other and everyone you know tries to keep everyone safe and happy,” said Habrat.

However their practice isn't all bonding, they work hard on various skills to compete, but they still always have the help of their coaches.

¨It's hard, coach makes us work pretty hard and if you have stuff you need to work on they will help you and the team will help you,” said freshman Caleb Conner.

Many baseball players said they would recommend the sport to anyone interested because of their positive experience.¨This team has been the most fun I've had at the high school doing sports so I recommend it to anyone who wants to do sports,” said Habrat.

I would recommend baseball because it is a great way to get to know your peers and is also a very fun way to get exercise and to gain athleticism while being really cool,”, said Scriver

¨Yeah I would recommend it because of the team spirit. If you wanna get into a new position the coach will help you and help you learn what you need to do,¨ said Connor.

Baseball at Vashon falls under a class 1A division in the Nisqually district. Last year the team had an overall record of 13-11 and the year prior placed 6th at state, the highest place for baseball since its start at Vashon High School in 2007. The team is a mix of all four grades and has no varsity and junior varsity divisions. Because players are together all four years, they have time to learn and grow together. It may even be one of the reasons why it's such a safe and comfortable environment for our student athletes.