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Tuesday, May 19, 2015 | BataviasBest.org
It’s been an up and down year for the Byron-Bergen/Elba Baseball team but as the Bees approach the postseason, head coach Rene Ezzell seems excited for his team’s opportunity in the Tournament.
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Rene Ezzell
Byron-Bergen/Elba Baseball – 10th season as head coach
Favorite thing about High School Sports: “The teaching aspect of high school sports and molding kids into being better people.”
AB: You seemed to start this season incredibly hot, only to cool off as the season wore on. What would you say is toughest when attempting to remain consistent over the course of a baseball season?
RE: “The compressed schedule this year was a tough on a lot of teams. The teams that were able to stay consistent in winning were the teams that could hit consistently and had three solid pitchers.”
AB: Would you say playing in the GR League, where there are tough teams on your schedule almost every night, makes consistency even tougher for a team?
RE: “Of course; you have to play well every night because there are many good teams, and if you don’t play well, you won’t give yourself a chance. We have been a solid defensive team but have struggled on offense. We’ve lost quite a few games by one or two runs because of one bad inning and lack of offense.”
AB: Following a roller coaster of a year, where is your team’s focus heading into the postseason?
RE: “We’ve been hitting better towards the end of the season and our pitching has been good enough to win games if we can hit, so our focus is on improving our offense and getting the bats going.“
AB: As a head coach, what will you be doing leading up to your first round game to ensure your team maintains their focus?
RE: “Maintain, maintain, maintain. Not trying to change too much up, the kids have been taught what they need to know and have to play to the potential that I know they can. We got some information on our Sectional opponent and we have a good shot of winning if we play like I know we can.“
AB: How about your game day responsibilities? Do those change now that you are heading into the next stage of the season?
RE: “No not at all; the routine stays the same. We hosted last year and now we’re going to Dansville this year. We went there a few years back and came away with a win.”
AB: How do your assistant coaches/leaders on the team aid in your efforts to prepare?
RE: “I have one assistant coach, Mark Logan. He and my JV coach, Kurtis Fannon, will get together to discuss anything we need to sure up or reinforce anything we might see. It really comes down to the guys just playing the game. Mark Logan is my pitching coach, and I give him full freedom to start whoever he thinks is ready to go.“
AB: Finally, what is it going to take for your team to go on a Sectional run?
RE: “Solid play, both offensively and defensively. I think pitchers need to go deep in the game while limiting pitches. Also, a little bit of luck the deeper you go.“
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The Bees will head to Dansville for their first round Sectional game buzzing with anticipation.
Hopefully they’re able to sting the Mustangs and walk away with a big win.
Other articles you may like:
Coaches Corner: Attica’s Fromwiller reflects on first year as head coach
Coaches Corner: Elba Girls Basketball – Tom Redband
Coaches Corner: Batavia heading into Sectional Finals under Briggs’ tutelage
Coaches Corner: Cintorino’s Lancers off to hot start in 2014
