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D-E Baseball Preview
Bulldogs running on the right track
By Jonathan Cheung
Staff Writer
Published: March 26, 2008
For the Dwight Englewood baseball team this season, it’s all about taking the right steps.
It was a different sight a few years ago, but with third-year coach Rich Muller the future looks bright.
Before Muller inherited the reins, many athletes didn’t take the sport seriously and disorganization was found throughout. Now, there’s a new mind-set and the Bulldog baseball team is on its way to becoming a respected program.
"Without a question and the boys have said this all year, there’s a different attitude that’s positive," said Muller. "I can start talking more in-depth about high school baseball, since the first couple years we’ve taken a very basic approach. Now the kids know exactly what to expect, discipline was instilled and we can get down to the nuts and bolts after learning the game on a general level."
The players see and buy into Muller’s vision of a successful D-E program. The athletes respect his coaching style and feed off his passion.
"The program has changed dramatically," said senior captain Reynold Graham. "The coaches care more and they want us to win as much as we do. In the past couple years, we’ve learned to bypass the little things and there’s no off-the-field issues between us. We can just focus on playing baseball."
On the diamond, the Bulldogs sport their defense and ability to grasp the fundamentals. Finding consistent pitching could pose a problem, but the team is confident that it will come, with more practices and experience.
"The talent on our pitching staff is there, but since we have such young pitchers they have to learn how to play at the high school level," said Graham. "We just need to play to our potential."
The boys have bonded in the off-season, through various fundraising events, to profit the baseball program. With all of the raised funds the Bulldogs have purchased more ‘L’ screens and a working pitching machine. This equipment is making the preseason an even more beneficial experience.
"All the fundraising shows their dedication and it will definitely help us improve from last year," said Muller. "In addition to the on-the-field skills, we’re looking to build a good core of guys that will take ownership of the team. We look to continue to build that team concept."
The strong dedication characterizes the team’s personality. The team knows putting programs on the map takes years of service and dedication.
"They’re a great group of hard workers with positive attitudes," said Muller. "They work well together and it’s a totally different team than from years past. You can say we have a better karma, are excited to play, are trying our best and are having fun."
"We’re just a group of guys that love the game and you could see it during the first days of practice," said Graham. "It’s that pure enthusiasm that will carry us through the season."
Last season’s record: 1-20
Key players: RF/1B Reynold Graham, 3B Scott Selvin, seniors; 1B/P Brian Norton, junior; SS/P William Benenson, 3B/OF A.J. Redmond, sophomores
Outlook: With new practice equipment and attitude the Bulldogs should improve on last year’s record. The team is excited to take the baseball diamond and prove they can orchestrate a winning season.
E-mail: cheung@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6709
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