Some people may say playing on a junior varsity (JV) team isn’t as important as playing on a varsity team.  But, what most people forget is that JV is where those players developed the skills necessary to succeed on the varsity level. And, while the intensity level may differ,  JV teams train and prepare players, put them in the correct mindset for varsity play. The school’s baseball program is no different.

“I do feel more prepared for varsity ball after JV, but it is a much different game than JV.  The summer showcase also  really prepared me for varsity.  I guess the pitch speed, etc., was more like varsity,” junior Sam Lipsmeyer said.

On a JV team, players have more time to form bonds, working together daily to develop the skills and training necessary to move up. The bond often lasts and is more meaningful once players reach the varsity level.

“Being on the JV team brings me closer to my teammates and I have developed a bond with them.  During winter conditioning, we practiced with the varsity guys.  The varsity guys always made an effort to include us and work with us. We really became a family,” Lipsmeyer said.

JV may seem less intense when it comes to the throwing speed and the speed of the game in general, but it trains players to be ready and be prepared for that higher level of play.

“You gain experience playing JV because the team is still playing against solid competition. It prepares and trains you for varsity,” senior Drew Porter said.

Head Baseball JV Coach Matt Ittner understands the transition as he once played JV, then varsity, and now coaches.

“When coaching, you get a different perspective on the game because you understand failure.  That feeling of failure is something that is hard for the players and they often get down on themselves because loss is tough when you work so hard to get to where you are,” Ittner said.  “On the other hand, the players also learn to feel successful, which definitely makes it worthwhile.”