Dayton, Ohio — The CJ Eagles baseball team has been there and done it before, but the seniors are hoping to get one final chance to add to their legacy. The two-time defending state champs have made it to the state Final Four in each of the last three seasons, but this season they can’t take anything for granted.
“Just the thought that we still have a chance to play is re-enforcing for us,” senior pitcher Sebastian Gongora said. “The last two years have been some of the best years of my life and not be able to play with those guys on this field it definitely hurts.”
First year head coach Todd Barhorst hasn’t been allowed to work with his team since schools across the state were closed. Like the players he has his fingers crossed that something will work out and some games will be played next month.
“The number one thing that’s on my mind is this senior class,” Barhorst said. “There’s a bigger picture than the high school baseball season right now, but it would be great if somehow we could end this with these guys getting to play one more time and go out the right way.”
Like seniors around the Miami Valley, it’s not just spring sports that might be lost. Many schools have already had to cancel their proms, and the prospect of holding graduation ceremonies is also iffy at best.
“With the prom that one hurts a little bit because that’s your last prom,” senior catcher Jake Hieatt said. “You only have a graduation ceremony once so it’s tough to put that into perspective.”
The OHSAA is still hoping that spring sports can be saved. State championships in baseball, softball, and track and field are not scheduled until early June.