The Jamestown Eagles are looking to improve on last year's performance and field a competitive team entering the 2020 season.
Last season, the Jamestown Eagles baseball team ended the year with a record of 7-11 and lost to Pilot Grove 6-3 in the semifinal round of the Class 1 District 10 tournament.
This year, the team has a couple of goals for the upcoming season, head coach Cody Stegemann said.
"Some of our goals this season include a record above .500, a district title and hopefully, a state title at the end of the season," Stegemann said. "Also, to have a memorable season and one we won't forget."
With the season starting soon, as the team opens its season at home at 5 p.m March 23 against Stover, Stegemann said the team has focused on its defense and pitching.
"I am very confident in our lineup one through nine," Stegemann said. "With our defense, we need to focus on the fundamentals and (on) not giving up unearned runs, which will lose you games. As for our pitching, we need to focus on filing up the zone and let our defense work. If we can throw strikes and makes plays, we will have a successful spring."
During the team's first week of practice, Stegemann said he noticed a lot of energy and determination from the team.
"The guys have showed up and have gone 100 percent," Stegemann said. "I truly believe every single one of my players wants to get better and wants to help the team out in any way they can."
Stegemann said the team's communication in practice has been flawless, and teammates are helping each other.
"I have guys picking up other guys and upperclassmen stepping up and helping the younger players push through," Stegemann said. "All around, this team is like a family and will do anything for one another."
For the early parts of the season, Stegemman said he wants to see his players come out with fire in their eyes and a winning attitude.
"I believe the start of the season is very important because those first two weeks of the season can set the whole tone for the rest of the season," Stegemann said.
Focusing on always improving and never settling for less are some things Stegemann said he wants his team to focus on through out the year.
"I don't want our guys to just 'go with the flow' and be happy with how far they have come," Stegemann said. "I want them to know the sky is the limit and that they can achieve anything this spring that they want as long as they work hard and pick each other up. You can never stop improving your game, especially in baseball."
Jamestown Eagles baseball schedule
March 23
vs. Stover, 5 p.m.
March 24
vs. South Callaway, 5 p.m.
March 26
at New Franklin, 5 p.m.
March 31
at Iberia, 5 p.m.
April 2
vs. Russellville, 5 p.m.
April 6
at Pilot Grove, 5 p.m.
April 9
vs. Higbee, 5 p.m.
April 14
vs. California, 5 p.m.
April 15
at Prairie Home/Bunceton, 5 p.m.
April 16
vs. Eugene, 5 p.m.
April 21
vs. Pilot Grove
April 27
vs. Prairie Home/Bunceton, 5 p.m.
April 28
vs. Fayette
April 30
at Calvary Lutheran, 4:30 p.m.
May 2
vs. Versailles and St. Elizabeth at Versailles, 9 a.m.
May 4
at Linn, 5 p.m.
May 6
vs. Tipton, 5 p.m.
May 12
vs. Harrisburg, 5 p.m.