This year Pingree’s boys baseball team is getting ready to go to Florida, and captains Drew Mullaney, Jonah Richardson, and Mateus Feick already know it’s going to be about more than just playing games. These captains have already been on the trip before and their memories help us get a good idea of what the trip will really be like. They are going to be playing at the baseball complex at Disney, with games almost everyday and practices that are usually around two hours long. These practices include hitting, fielding, and throwing, and they are meant to prepare them for the season and not just to go through the motions. 

The schedule in Florida is demanding, but that is what makes it fun. According to Drew Mullaney, the team plays and practices almost everyday. He explained that “practice should be like two hours, give or take,” and that the team focuses on “some hitting, some fielding, and throwing.” With long days in the sun and full game schedule, the trip pushes players discipline physically and mentally. This helps them get ready for the intensity in the varsity season before it starts.

Even though baseball is the main focus, the trip is not only about what happens on the field. A big part of the experience is team bonding. Drew said one of his favorite memories from a past trip was “just hanging out in the pool with a bunch of the guys.” This shows that some of the most meaningful moments come from spending time outside of the games and practices.

Jonah Richadson also talked about how important the bonding part of the trip is. When asked about his favorite part of going to Disney, he said, “Being in the hotel room with my teammates and getting some good laughs in, and also exploring the parks for the first time in a while and navigating that as a team bond.” This shows that the trip is not just about baseball, but also about building relationships and creating shared experiences that bring the team close together. 

Jonah also explained that even the hardest parts of the trip end up helping the team. He appreciated, “All the early morning wake ups and the bad practices in the sun” as well as “ spending time with people that you might not normally be in a room with.” This shows that going through conditions together helps build trust and connection, which can make a big difference once the season starts.

Some of the best memories from the trip come from small funny moments. One of Jonah’s favorite moments was when a teammate came into their room last night and started joking around, making everyone laugh even though they were all exhausted before the flight. It was a simple moment, but it stood out because it brought the group together and ended the trip on a positive note. 

While the trip is fun, the captains made it clear that it’s also about working and improving. Drew said he wants players to “keep their heads down and work on the field.” This shows that the trip is not just a vacation, but an important part of getting ready for the season ahead.

Overall, the Florida trip gives the team something that regular practices and games cannot. Traveling together, practicing in tough conditions, spending time in hotels, and sharing moments all help build stronger connections.This year’s trip will not only help the team improve on the field, it will also help them become closer. In the end these are the bonds that build best friends.