The Thunderbird high school baseball team is running back home for another season. With five freshmen and only two seniors on the roster, this season is sure to be different.

Varsity baseball seniors are John Paul Stewart, second baseman and catcher, and Brice McCurdy, right-hand catcher and right fielder. Other notable players are juniors Hunter Donathan, catcher, right-handed pitcher, and third baseman, and Tyson Gorder, pitcher. Gorder transferred to Thunderbird at the beginning of the second semester, and according to coach Michael Jacobs, he “should make an immediate impact as a pitcher and offensively.”

Despite having many new players, the team has opened the season with multiple consecutive wins. After Cactus Shadows high school ended Thunderbird’s 6-game winning streak, the players got their redemption just two days later, winning against Dysart high school 14-4. When asked how he thought the season would go, McCurdy said he believes the team will “have a great season and make it to playoffs.”

Their most recent game follows that idea, with Thunderbird beating Mingus High School 4-1. Early in the game, the Titans fell behind; by the fourth inning, they tied the game with one run. Later in the fifth inning, they acquired 3 more runs while keeping Mengus held by the defence.

Though there is a variety of ages on the team, it does not show in their connection. By the baseball field after school, the sound of the team laughing and having fun fills the field. The players enjoy spending time together, which strengthens their chemistry during games.

This season has started with twelve wins and four losses, none of which are in their region. Despite this, the team still strongly believes they will come out on top.