After having their spring season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamestown Eagles baseball team is getting ready to reset for the fall season. Last fall, the team finished its season with a record of 8-5.
This year, head coach Cody Stegemann said the team is looking to have a great fall and to better themselves and prepare for the spring season.
"Also, we look to completing the fall season with a winning record and, hopefully, a conference championship," Stegemann said.
The players are ready to get back on the field and play after the spring season was canceled, Stegemann said.
"I can tell you that every single player is beyond ready to be back on the field," Stegemann said. "The unfortunate circumstances that took place in the spring only added to our guys' fire to get back on the field and improve their talents. Not only the players but the Jamestown community, I believe, is ready to see some baseball."
Stegemann said the team had a great turnout at its optional practices during the summer and players improved during the summer.
"So far, some guys have gone out of their way this summer to work with me by throwing bullpens, hitting, and fielding drills," Stegemann said. "All summer long, we had optional practices because of vacations and jobs. Even though a lot of our kids were busy, we had a great turnout and a lot of our guys improved over the summer. Aug. 10 will be our first official practice for the fall and we will go on from there to improve."
Everyone on the roster has the chance to make an impact on the team this season, Stegemann said.
"When it comes to pointing out which players will stand out, it is almost impossible for me. Everyone on our roster, freshman to senior, have the potential to stand out this fall and improve not only their skills but their teammates as well," Stegemann said.
Growing closer together as a team is something Stegemann hopes to see from the players as the season moves along, as that will help the team during games. He also wants to see the upperclassmen take up leadership and mentor roles for the younger players.
"As the season goes on, I want to see my team grow together and form a great bond," Stegemann said. "The better communication and relationships we can grow on the team, the better the outcome of our games and practices will show. I also want to see our seniors and juniors step up and be mentors for the younger kids to help them grow as a person and grow their game on the field."
Stegemann said the players have gotten themselves motivated to start the season.
"Honestly, I have had to do little to get these guys prepared. Like I had mentioned, because of that cancellation, it has motivated my players so much to get better and to look forward to this upcoming season," Stegemann said.
Jamestown baseball fall season schedule
Aug. 28 - 7 p.m. at Sturgeon
Aug. 29 - TBA vs. Linn and Vienna
Sept. 3 - 5 p.m. at St. Elizabeth
Sept. 10 - 5 p.m. vs. Prairie Home w/Bunceton
Sept. 15 - 5 p.m. at Iberia
Sept. 17 - 5 p.m. vs. Calvary Lutheran
Sept. 21 - 5 p.m. at Eugene
Sept. 24 - 5 p.m. vs. New Bloomfield
Sept. 28 - 5 p.m. at Prairie Home w/Bunceton
Sept. 29 - 7 p.m. at Tuscumbia
Oct. 1 - 6:30 p.m. vs. Higbee
Oct. 6 - 6:30 p.m. at New Franklin