Great Bridge Optimistic they will end Dry Spell this Season
Coach Wiley Lee believes that the members of the Great Bridge Wildcats varsity baseball team are very fortunate to reside in an area that some impressive athletes call home. Mike Cuddyer, as well as B.J. and Justin Upton have all been known to work out at the same local gym. Lee believes this is an advantage for the Wildcats. “Other teams only have the opportunity to see players like that on television,” he explains. “Our guys actually see successful baseball players in their neighborhood. That is a huge motivation for many of them.”
But Lee himself is also one of these positive role models for the Wildcats. In addition to having coached for eight years at Great Bridge, he has collegiate and professional experience. He made two appearances with the California Angels’ minor league team and made the United States All-star Team in 1986.
These positive influences have allowed the Wildcats in the past to achieve success. Under Lee’s direction the Wildcats have attained the title of regional champion four times, one of them (2003) being a precursor to a state championship. Even though the Wildcats have seen a relatively dry spell for the past two seasons, Lee still sees plenty of reason for optimism. “We have really strong pitching and defense this year. But we are focused on performing and winning,” he says.
Lee has a clear strategy for success. He makes sure that the Wildcats are well-practiced in the essential areas. They do three things every day: batting, defense and simulation of game situations. “We keep the tempo high in practice,” he explains. “If our practices run at game speed, the athletes have an opportunity to respond to a variety of plays. That way when they encounter them in a game they will be ready.”
The Wildcats certainly need to be ready this season because of the district in which they compete. As Lee is quick to point out, the teams that comprise the Southeastern District are extremely competitive. “This is a very balanced district,” he explains. “Every team has a strong pitcher.”
One pitcher who will help the Wildcats make headway in the Southeastern District this season is sixteen-year-old junior Taylor Reeves. He has one of the strongest arms on the Wildcats’ squad this season; Reeves can hurl a pitch at nearly ninety miles per hour. “I am constantly working on pitching because I can always improve,” he says. “I throw a lot of bullpens and practice constantly.”
Reeves believes that the Wildcats’ depth is an asset that they bring to the diamond this season. “For example, there are a number of athletes that could be starting this year that probably will not be.” If the Wildcats can hone their offensive capability, according to Reeves, they will be unstoppable.
Reeves identifies as one of his role models Curt Schilling, the Boston Red Sox starting pitcher who has racked up impressive statistics in his eighteen years of professional experience. Reeves hopes to play Division I baseball in college.
Another young athlete who will likely help lead the athletes to success in 2006 is eighteen-year-old senior Ian Lenda. Agreeing with his coach and teammate, Lenda explains that defense will play a big part in the Wildcats’ success. “Our defense is solid,” he explains. “I’m sure that we won’t make too many errors because we are close and we know each others’ strengths and weaknesses. As a team, we’ll be able to work plays behind whatever pitcher is on the mound.”
In addition to good pitching, Lenda will also play another critical role on the team, that of a leader. “We have several underclassmen who will be starting this season,” he says. “Hopefully I can use my seniority to help calm the team down and focus them when I need to.” Lenda wants to end his high school career on a strong note. “Since this is my senior year, I want to finish with a good season.”
Lenda also explains that their coach’s determination will go a long way in preparing them to face the challenges of the district. “Coach Lee is always pushing us and preparing us for competition. His motivational speeches really inspire us. He is a great coach.” With Coach Lee and a cadre of good experienced players, the Wildcats can accomplish big things this season.
