The BILA Wave

by Abraham Nerius

Just last season the Wingate Generals baseball team was barely active and struggled to stay together. But thanks to the effort of a few students and staff, the team is back.

This story looks at how close Wingate baseball came to being shut down and how a new group of players, coaches, and supporters are working hard to keep the team alive and build something stronger for the future.

Mr. Corrado, who stepped in as coach, recalled how close the team came to being shut down entirely. “Last year, there wasn’t even a team. To the PSAL, it looked like the school didn’t care about the sport.” That impression almost cost them everything. Due to a scheduling conflict with a school trip to Washington D.C., players were absent, and Corrado had to spend two days on the phone with the PSAL commissioner just to convince him to let the team continue. “I had to be the one to save it.”

Following that, BILA’s administration backed the effort with resources. BILA Principal Ms. Henry-Stephens said,“We provided whatever resources they needed equipment, uniform and staff. We paid for Mr. O’garro to be the assistant coach.” She said she just hopes to see “a winning team!”

Junior David Perez, who plays pitcher, catcher, and shortstop, embodies the heart of the team. “The coaches are good, even if we lose games, he’s positive about it … If [the team] was gone, I would be sad because I enjoy baseball, even though it wasn’t my first sport. It’s really fun.” Like many of his teammates, David sees this season as a beginning. “It’s everyone’s first time, so next year we should be a better team.”

Also for Junior Tristen Scott, joining the team wasn’t even about the sport itself. “I’m not into baseball, but I saw the team needed help,” he said. “Coach motivates me to do better and wants me to try hard every game. I hope the team can reach the playoffs someday.” His willingness to contribute, despite not really liking baseball, reflects the spirit forming around the team.

Team manager and junior Deyaniri Gomez also has a personal reason for being involved in the team. “I wanted to be a part of the team as a player but couldn’t because I’m a girl, so I became the manager,” she was also concerned for the state of the baseball team as a whole.“I was really scared the team was going to be disbanded. I genuinely wanted a baseball team.” When asked how the team can improve, she wasted no time: “If the players went to practice and took it more seriously, they would win. The coach needs to be harder on the players.”

“I always liked coaching,” said Mr. Corrado. “The goal is for the team to be competitive and fun to be on. The players are good; the only problem is experience. No coach can just take over a team and make them great in a flash.” 

He’s still encouraged by their progress though. “They’ve gotten so much better in a short span, so imagine what they can do in a few years.” He credits several people for assisting him in coaching: Cutaneo who is an experienced player and helps Mr. Corrado with drills along with coaching in general things Abdul and O’garro who help with coaching on the field. Mr. Corrado describes it as a sort of good cop bad cop situation.

BILA’s baseball team is still a work in progress. But behind every practice, there’s a group of students and staff who refuse to let the team disappear and who are determined to make it thrive.