A Change In Weather? 2024 Baseball & Softball Preview

"I'm tired of being lied to by the groundhog, it's time for BHS Softball and Baseball
By: Ben Elliott

     Punxsutawney Phil’s batting average is hovering around a blistering .390, which would put him up against the likes of Ted Williams and Tony Gwynn. The large number also gives him a no doubt spot in Cooperstown. However, right here right now, I’d like to open discourse on why he shouldn’t get his face on a plaque in Cooperstown. Despite the batting average, lately he’s been widely inconsistent. He says we’re ready to hit the golf course early yet, I’m still wearing my puffer vest at 2:30 in the afternoon before the sun even goes down. It’s a what have you done for me lately league unfortunately, Phil, in my book, is no longer a sure fire hall of famer, it’s far too cold out right now for us to be happily living at the golf course.

     Hall of Fame discourse aside, the time has come in the calendar year for softball and baseball to finally commence! Despite my bias towards the hardwood, I must admit, (and I'm sure every coach in every sport ever will attest to this), I’m excited to not have to be in coach mode this spring. Coaching is the greatest gift ever, especially here at BHS, however, a full season can leave you feeling drained. For everyone involved, players even more so, due to the physical toll competition forces you to give. When you give everything to a sport from November to February, by the time March rolls around, you’re more than ready to be a fan in the grandstands. Besides, you can’t eat hot dogs and drink a cold soda while we’re on the bench patrolling the sidelines yelling our lungs out to make sure everyone on defense is properly matched up.

     I’m quite excited to cheer on each squad to the best of my ability to say the least. Without further ado, let’s get into our 2024 softball/baseball season preview!

     Starting with our softball Lady Gobblers…. Last year, the softball team went 19-8 finishing 2nd in the valley district and making a deep playoff run, advancing to the VHSL Class 3 State Quarterfinals. A huge success last year for veteran coach Becky Cantrell and co. For as long as I’ve been around athletics here at BHS, the softball program has won year in and out and last year was no exception. With a retooled valley district, the team looks to carry on what they did last season.

     The schedule boasts a similar if not identical slate of opponents as last season. The valley district will still consist of TA, Spotswood, Harrisonburg, Rockbridge, with the additions being East Rock and William Monroe, and next year Rocktown (still TBD). Out of valley opponents being Fluvanna, Wilson Memorial and Fort Defiance.

     The schedule will be packed just like it was last year. I’ve said this a lot over the years, we’re lucky to play in an area with a host of talented schools. Adding William Monroe and East Rock just reinforces that belief.

     Like many others, I have high hopes and expectations for the softball program, it’s a roster full of youth yet experienced players from top to bottom. I’ve already gotten to take in a game so far this season, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a great time as the weather gets better. I look forward to our mid season softball talk coming very soon!

     For the Baseball Gobblers, it was just like their softball counterparts, another successful season. The boys made the playoffs once again losing to LCA in the Region 3C Quarterfinals. The baseball schedule this year looks just like the softball schedule plus the inclusion of the Rappahannock County Panthers! We’re looking at a roster that isn’t as young as its softball counterpart. There's more experience here for the baseball boys, with the lineup featuring a handful of seniors from top to bottom.

     Based on our preseason show, the team features a huge group of personalities of all types (even some singing), and I’m looking forward to a great season from the honorable Coach Laase and company.

​     I’m so excited to be a fan this season. I love coaching as much as the next guy however, it feels good to be a fan for even just a season. I look forward to seeing all of you at the various diamonds! Here’s to nothing but success for both squads!