Play ball: baseball season readies to start again May 6, 2021 — by Shaan Sridhar Photo courtesy of Pixabay After the season was cut short last March, the team hopes for a fun and productive season. Head Coach: Sean Hodson and Craig Walsh Last year’s record: 0-5-0 Recap: The pandemic cut the team’s season short, leaving not knowing what their potential was. Key Matchups: Milpitas (April 27), Gunn (May 11) Star Players: Senior Ryan Gilligan, shortstop; and senior Philbert Fan, pitcher Key losses to graduation: Mihir Bettadapur, Ryan Walb, Peyton Stokes and Nik Sridhar League: El Camino Prognosis: The theme for the season is to play ball again. “I think playing games again will be a big relief for these kids,” head coach Sean Hodson said. Hodson said about 20 players signed up to play, making it likely there will only be only a varsity team instead of varsity and JV. The team will play its first game on April 24 against Gunn. They will play 15 games. Practices started April 1. The team will also be making some changes to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing masks near people and social distancing. Hodson said that while the team had some logistical issues with social distancing inside dugouts and getting transportation to games, the safety of players would not be compromised. “We are under protocols which are always being changed,” he said. “So we are following whatever the rules are on any particular day.” Despite increased restrictions, senior Ryan Gilligan, one of the team’s star players, said he was glad baseball is back. “I’m very excited to go back to baseball and hopefully compete for a league championship,” he said. 3 views this weekAbout the contributorsShaan SridharShaan Sridhar, Class of ‘23, is an Editor-in-Chief of the 2022-23 staff. He previously served as an In-Depth Editor of the 2021-22 staff and a Graphics Manager, Reporter and Layout Artist of the 2020-21 staff. Shaan has covered board meetings and district initiatives, and enjoys writing columns on school policy and the entertainment industry. He was awarded the Journalism Education Association of Northern California Honorable Mention in Column Writing in 2021. Outside of school, Shaan likes to obsess over the news and travel with his friends and family.