Going for Gold: The Green Batters’ hunt for back-to-back titles
“Hindi namin alam ‘yung salitang ‘pagod’.”
Such a simple one-liner from Captain Joshua Pineda, but it really shows how dedicated his team is to defend their UAAP Baseball championship. They finally return to competition after being sidelined for the last four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a member of the winning squad from Season 81 himself, Pineda exclaims that the Green Batters are excited to step back on the diamond. “Para sa amin, talagang matagal kami naghintay para sa pagbabalik namin, kaya ‘yung preparation namin inuunti-unti; kumbaga, excited kaming lahat para makabalik talaga.”
Hard Work Pays Off
For a team that has been out of action for nearly half a decade, the journey to get back into form was no small task. Pineda described the experience as sort of being like children again, the whole squad going step-by-step to ensure that everyone is synchronized in both training and in-game.
Their in-school training happens thrice a week, but the Green Batters only gained access to their own field weeks ago which heavily affected their prior preparation. On top of that, their schedule involves a large chunk of travelling, with a few players even having practice with the Philippine National Team in the mornings. “Sobrang pagod talaga, pero dahil gusto talaga namin manalo this season, go lang kahit pagod ka na,” Pineda said.
The Green Batters’ road back to UAAP competition was anything but straightforward. Captain Pineda mentioned that they were set to participate in two pre-season tournaments which were unfortunately cancelled, denying them valuable playing exposure . They did have a few tune-up games with various opponents, but none were against any schools competing in Season 85. The captain also believes that there isn’t a singular team that they consider to be the most challenging adversary and that one cannot underestimate the work and effort each squad puts in.
“Halos lahat naman mahirap, kasi hindi mo naman i-uunderestimate ang isang UAAP team. Naghahanda talaga sila tulad namin para sa paparating na season. Ganun din ‘yung ibang school na naghihirap din sila, nagpapagod din sila, so para sa akin lahat pinakamahirap. Pero, ‘yung preparation namin, alam ko kaya namin this season.”
Championship Caliber
Just like most teams returning to the UAAP for the first time since the global pandemic hit, there is an abundance of first-timers in the Green Batters’ lineup with only Pineda and another senior left over from the championship-winning crew. Still, the captain showered praise for his young squad, citing their work ethic and ability to keep up during practice.
“Nakikita ko ‘yung mga rookie na nagtatrabaho talaga. Nakikita ko naman sa kanila na pursigido talaga sila. ‘Yung eagerness naming mga senior, gusto talaga namin manalo so nakikita rin nila sa amin ‘yun.”
Newcomers aren’t the only thing the Green Batters have a large number of, but six of the 20 players on the roster are included in the national team lineup as well which Pineda said is their greatest advantage. Being able to train with the very best the country has to offer fills them with confidence that gives them an edge over those who don’t enjoy the same privilege once the UAAP season commences. La Salle also has more national team members than any other school, which puts them a step above the rest before the first pitch is even thrown.
Out of all the talented players on the lineup, rookie Lord Aragorn de Vera stands out from the rest — even carrying a name fitting for one with potential to rule over the UAAP baseball division. He is currently the youngest member on the national team at the age of 19, and his very own captain didn’t hold back in giving the teenager his flowers. “Sobrang galing, as in. Sa isang baseball player, kahit rookie sya nasa top. Sobrang galing, ‘yun ‘yung masasabi ko sa kanya. Pero, alam ko may igagaling pa ‘yung batang ‘yun kasi bata pa sya pero ‘yung laro nya nakakasabay talaga sya.”
Though many eyes will most certainly be on rookie de Vera to make an impact this season, captain Pineda says the communication and culture everyone shares is their biggest key to success. “May kultura kami na masasabing wala rin sa ibang teams na, ‘yung simpleng bonding namin kahit kumakain lang, pamilya talaga kami. ‘Yun ‘yung kultura na wala siguro sa iba. ‘Yun ‘yung tinatawag naming pinaka strength namin kasi may communication kami inside and outside. Pamilya talaga kami. Kapatid yung turing namin sa bawa’t isa.”
Driven by Victory
La Salle has never been crowned back-to-back champions in UAAP baseball, and Pineda aims to change that once and for all this Season 85. The entire team has faith in each other that they can achieve their ultimate goal and bring a trophy back to Taft once again. “Para sa La Salle, sa OSD, at sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa amin. ‘Yun ‘yung goal namin, maging back-to-back champions sa Season 85.”
In his final year of collegiate baseball, captain Pineda aims to motivate his team towards victory throug his leadership and on-field play. Not only is he playing for himself, but he dedicates all his efforts and extra training to his fellow senior, to the coaches that worked tirelessly for the school, and to the future stars of La Salle Baseball he hopes to leave a winning legacy with.
The stakes don’t get higher for the Green Batters being the reigning champions, but the team has blocked out that feeling of pressure and will focus on going all-out every single time they step on the field. The sweat and tears from training, the coaches that have been by their side since day one, their personal studies, and their families are what drive the entire team to give their best. No matter what differences they may have in an individual standpoint, each and every one of them remain steadfast in their pursuit of glory.
Support your DLSU Green Batters’ first round matches as they begin their title defense this Season 85:
March 12, 7:30 AM — DLSU vs UP
March 15, 3:30 PM — DLSU vs NU
March 19, 11:30 AM — DLSU vs AdU
March 22, 11:30 AM — DLSU vs UST
March 26, 11:30 AM — DLSU vs Ateneo
All games will be played at the UP Diliman Baseball/Softball Field.
