The spring season here at Winchendon started in the early weeks of March. The Winchendon Baseball team got right after it the first week of spring break. The team has the opportunity to stay a week down in Port St. Lucie, Florida for a pre-baseball season spring training trip. Every year, the boys seem to have more and more fun.
This year, the team traveled down to Florida on March 14th and came back on the 21st. Needless to say, it was one successful preseason trip. The schedule allowed for both relaxation on spring break, but also a very intense baseball schedule. Practices and games were had every day that the team was there. In total, the team played 10 baseball games. Winchendon played some very competitive baseball times while on their trip. Those included Thayer Academy, BB & N, Avon Old Farms, Worcester Academy, The Hill School, Iona Prep, Mercersburg Academy, and Milton Academy.
The team left the preseason with a 6-4 record. Coach Toffey emphasized that the team had many big wins. He also mentions that the team performed very well and improved every day that they were on this trip. Big things to come in the NEPSAC spring season. Coach Toffey shared what he was looking forward to in the upcoming season, he stated, “I really enjoy being around the team. It is a terrific group of kids who work hard and have fun. I enjoy the competition playing against other great baseball teams and watching our students improve. We are very fortunate to play on a beautiful turf field too- the best in New England in my opinion!” And he is not wrong about that field!
Something that could not be put in the spotlight enough was the gorgeous weather they had the entire week. Coach Toffey was asked if there were any challenges during this trip. He expressed, “Not really! The team did so well and was complimented everywhere we went. They respected the school very well. The weather was great! The accommodations were terrific. Overall, it was just an awesome trip.”
There were so many things to highlight about this trip. The wins, the weather, the team camaraderie, and the good representation of The Winchendon School. Coach Toffey proudly highlights, “My favorite part of the trip is getting to experience a week with our students playing baseball on beautiful fields with perfect weather! We get to live like major leaguers for a week- the NY Mets spring training complex is next to where we train and play. Seeing many familiar faces and the relationships I have been fortunate to develop over the years is another highlight. I’m thankful the students get to experience a trip like this.” A spring break trip to Florida will always be a major highlight in the baseball season, no matter what year.
The boys will take the field for the first time at home on Wednesday against St. Mark’s at 4:00 pm. They will follow this game with another one on Saturday against Lawrence Academy at 3:30 pm, which is also home. Good luck with the season boys!
Written by Abby Stone ’24
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