MVC Baseball: It's More Than Baseball

Watsonville -- Aside from a few who have already committed to colleges, some Monte Vista Christian school baseball players’ time on the diamond will end forever after the 2016 season.

But the lessons they’ve learned that go beyond the game, lessons about themselves and how to live, will never be forgotten.

“I did not play baseball for many years before freshman year, then I decided to play,” senior leftfielder Jason Morrell said. “ I have not only learned to play baseball but I have learned about life and have become a better man.”

The Mustangs will graduate 10 seniors this year. Of that 10, just two are committed to play in college. First baseman Matt Nunes is verbally committed to Loras College in Iowa. Centerfielder Schyler Sicoli will attend Santa Barbara City College.

Three more players plan to play in college, but are waiting to sign.

The relationships formed on the field have propelled the Mustangs (10-6 overall, 6-1 Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division) to first place. Players say a fire has been sparked in their hearts to prove that they are a top competitor.

Yet regardless of where they finish or whether or not they play after Monte Vista, players will take lessons with them when they leave, lessons that even their parents have noticed.

“I have seen my son grow in so many ways besides baseball,” Landen Alexander’s dad Rick said. “He is becoming a man and learning how to live life right.”

Among the lessons learned, players say: How to act around their elders, how to treat women, and, most importantly, how to love God.

“Baseball is temporary,” coach Don Keathley said. “I want to build these kids up to be men. We play to win but what really matters in life is that these kids know how to respect their elders, and become young mature adults.”

Soft-spoken assistant coach Case Rigby also shared a few words about the bond between coaches and players and the journey to manhood.

“As coaches we are not only here to coach these players about the game, but we are here to coach them about life,” assistant coach Case Rigby said. “We are building a relationship with them in order to be approachable about anything, so we are able to guide them in life.”