By Madalynn Rocha
Let’s play some ball- but not quite yet. Minarets fall ball is in full action, but it’s the equivalent of any other sports’ off season training. During fall ball, players practice and workout and play a few scrimmage games. But the whole ‘season’ is just practice. Baseball actually starts sometime in spring.
“I’ve been playing ball since I was big enough to hold a bat”, says freshman player Julian Rocha. He says he’s very excited for the coming season because of the possibility of starting varsity as a frosh. Many of the players play for travel teams. Julian plays for the Fresno A’s travel ball team outside of Minarets baseball. Rocha is a lefty first baseman, pitcher, and outfielder.
The off season for Minarets is very enriching. Coaches would advise participating in fall ball to stay in shape over the off season. When asked if he had any encouraging words for players thinking of playing fall ball or spring ball, Rocha said “It takes up the only real free time you deserve, especially if you play travel ball like me. But it’s a great way for you to improve and grow for the upcoming season. School fall ball is especially important for bonding and learning how to play with the teammates you’ll more than likely be playing with when spring ball comes around. So if you ask me, I’d say playing fall ball is something you should do”.