Another successful baseball season came to a close this May for the Berkeley Carroll Lions.  The Lions have earned a reputation  in the PSAA/ACIS league; with a record of 20 victories and only 3 losses it’s a well-deserved reputation. On May 13, 2014 the Lions qualified for the NYSAIS championships as the third seed after winning the PSAA/ACIS league championship. Although the team did not win the NYSAIS championships, they still had a terrific season. It was great to see the players’ families and friends as well as Berkeley Carroll’s faculty members come out and support the varsity boys baseball team.

In honor of such a strong performance this spring, this question was posed to the team: “how would you sum up this year’s baseball season?” The wonderful discussion that followed included memories of the season, accomplishments, victories, as well as losses and adversity. Here is what the boys had to say about their fantastic 2014 season.

“This year, I could honestly say, was the most fun I had on a BC sports team. Learning so much by working with guys from school is why I can’t wait to come back next year. I’m looking forward to next season, determined and ready to win states.” –Will Knowlton, Freshman #33 Third base

“Going in as a freshman on a varsity team was pretty difficult. We hustled in every game. Even though we came up short of the state championship. The hype was to win states. But how I look at it is it doesn’t matter whether we came in last, 2nd or even first, what really matters is that we competed.” –Justin Pacheco, Freshman #25 Second base

“Throughout the season we really became a family and developed a brotherhood. The bus rides were also filled with intelligent conversations that I will never forget.”—Christian Denis, Sophomore #28 Outfield

“We faced adversity throughout the season and played together as a team. Chris Harper, Yanai Feldman, Richie Palacios, and Ian Miller are the best captains you can have on a team and they led us to success. I am so proud to be a part of the family we made and I’m going to miss the seniors like crazy.”—Kamran Chada, Sophomore #17 Designated Hitter

“This year was one to remember. We had to play through adversity at every turn but we banded together as a team and seemed to gel. We came up slightly short in the end but it was another great season spent with my teammates I consider brothers.”—Gil Ferguson, Sophomore #34 Outfield

“I really enjoyed being able to contribute on a team that had so many talented guys. It was a great season and I can’t wait until next year.”—Jake Simpson, Sophomore  #32 Pitcher

“Through our ups and downs we were able to push our way through the season and put up another great year of Berkeley Carroll baseball.”—Brandon Woo, Sophomore  #31 Outfield

“This baseball season was memorable because bonds were made easily. The team eventually became a family and it definitely showed during school hours and out of school activities.”—Chris Harper, Junior  #4 Third base

“The team was just something to look forward to every day after school. We faced a lot of adversity and it ended up creating some really tight bonds between us allowing us to go deep in the postseason.”—John Allman, Junior #6 Outfield

“This year’s team had more heart than any team I’ve ever been a part of. We bonded over adversity, success and hardship. We could always count on our teammates to fight to the last out of each and every game. It turned into about twenty wins and three losses. The season didn’t end in a state championship, but we can take a lot away from these last four months. It taught us to never give up, to support those around us and to enjoy what we love to do. That’s a big part of why we play the game.”—Ian Miller, Senior  #2 Pitcher