The PHS Baseball team at spring training in Florida. More photos below the story.

By Henry Hernandez

PHS has a history of great baseball and softball teams. Excellence in this sport is not hoped for every year, but an expectation. While the players love to win many just love the sport.

“My favorite part is when I am on the field. It doesn’t matter if it is a game or just practice,” said Joan Santana.

Both the baseball and softball teams did their annual spring training at Daytona, Florida. Just like the big league teams, our Indians work hard to get ready for the season.

“Every girl got to play in a scrimmage. The coach saw everybody’s strengths and weaknesses, so that when we got back to Jersey, we got right to work,” said Heavenlie Sylvester.

Joan Santana added, “Because we get the chance to play in Florida, we are way more prepared because practices are not the same as the games we get to play there.”

Therefore, the time spent in Florida does help our teams stay on top.

However, there is time to just have fun as well.

“Florida is a great experience. Not every sports team is lucky enough to travel like that, so I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity,” said Chanelly Diaz.

Now that the teams are back home, they continue to prepare for their games. They have big shoes to fill, because the teams have done so well in the past. They are up to the task. “I expect to win regionals,” said Joan Santana.

Others want to enjoy the game and continue to win. Chanelly Diaz said, “I want to win as many games as we can and go all out for my senior year.”

Many of the players are moving on by graduating this year. They encourage underclassmen to join the team, work hard, and share in the success that comes with personal hard work and teamwork. Heavenlie Sylvester said, “It is a lot of hard work, but it definitely pays off in the end.”

Chanelly Diaz added, “You start off as friends, but leave the team as sisters.” Joan Santana also added, “Trust the process, your moment will come, and when it does, show it off. Stay focused.”

That is good advice.

The baseball and softball programs at PHS are a success story. Chanelly Diaz provided the best quote about someone’s decision to play or not play. She said, “My favorite quote comes from Babe Ruth, ‘Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”