For their third consecutive year, Montini Catholic’s varsity baseball team had the honor of representing the State of Illinois at Disney Baseball Spring Training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. The team traveled to Orlando over their Spring Break.
“Highlights of our trip included competing in six games and attending the Atlanta Braves vs. Detroit Tigers game at Champion Stadium,” said Head Coach Rich Janor. “We were thankful for the chance to play a game at Champion Stadium, Spring Training home of the Atlanta Braves.”
Coach Janor looks forward to the trip each year and views it as an exceptional team building opportunity for his Broncos. Team building is incredibly important for these teams as well as in any group setting, as they need to learn to work together and rely on one another when needed, that is why when training like this, including doing charity team building events during downtimes where the players still need to connect, are important as they can help strengthen their bond and game.
The Broncos played a very strong schedule and finished 3-3 on the trip, with victories over Shipley (Pennsylvania), Englewood (New Jersey), and Riverdale (New York). “In the opener against Shipley, Jack (JR) Walsh and Alex Luka blasted triples,” informed Coach Janor. “Anthony Rogers was the winning pitcher!”
It was Bronco Liam Heggemann who went the distance on the mound against Englewood winning the five inning game for the Broncos (15-5). “Luke Morrill had 2 hits, while Alex Weisshaar, and Sam Spadoni led the offense for the Broncos in the game,” said Janor.
Winning pitcher Bobby Meifert and relief pitcher Luke Morrill did not allow an earned run against Riverdale, and the Broncos held on to win that match-up (2-1), with Seth Quick and Sam Spadoni leading the offense.
Coach Janor expressed his thanks to all of the parents involved for sponsoring meals, snacks and for helping to make this third trip to Florida a memorable success.
