SPEAKER_01: 0:08

Welcome to the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson. Today we are stepping up to the plate with this year's Highland Park baseball captains. These three leaders are giving us an inside look at what it takes to guide the team, stay focused, and still keep things fun in the dugout from pregame superstitions and how they're preparing for the big opener against McKinney Boyd. This episode is packed with personality leadership lessons and a whole lot of Scott's pride. Let's get into it. Guys, thank you so much for being here today. Please go around the room and introduce yourself. Tell us what position you play and what your nickname on the field is.

SPEAKER_03: 0:49

Hi, my name is Tripp Madison. I'm a pitcher and my nickname is T Matt.

SPEAKER_04: 0:53

I'm Martin True. I'm an outfielder and my nickname is Tino.

SPEAKER_02: 0:57

I'm uh Adam Ritchie. I'm a middle infielder, and my nickname is a Dead Meist.

SPEAKER_01: 1:02

Well, those are all very interesting. I love it. So instead of asking you, what I normally ask is, how did you get into baseball? I want to know if there was ever a moment where you thought you would play another sport besides baseball.

SPEAKER_03: 1:16

So one sport I always loved growing up was basketball. I think, especially in elementary and middle school, I was a big basketball guy, but I think I found my love of baseball just I always felt like I had a better bond with my teammates and coaches in baseball compared to basketball.

SPEAKER_01: 1:31

Okay.

SPEAKER_04: 1:32

Um I play football, so I think that kids should try to play as many sports as possible. I think it's just awesome. Um, I think football's taught me a lot, and I think baseball's taught me even more. So sure.

SPEAKER_02: 1:45

I uh I grew up playing a lot of sports. I grew up playing uh baseball, basketball, football, uh, golf, and tennis. Uh I really thought my eighth grade and freshman year that I would stick with basketball. Uh, but after my sophomore year, I uh decide to just pursue baseball.

SPEAKER_01: 2:06

Oh, nice. Yeah, I know. About that time, about midway through high school, a lot of people it just kind of clicks and they think I'm ready to go all in on this specific sport. So that's interesting. Well, obviously, you guys are very invested in baseball. You've been playing for a really long time, you've made it to the point of being captains. Is there any part of the journey to being captains that would surprise people?

SPEAKER_03: 2:27

I think for me and Adam especially, I think it's the fact that we didn't really expect to be in a position to like make captain even in our junior year. I think I wasn't really a starting pitcher or in my current role as a closer until like we started district and until like we like started the season. I wasn't I didn't really think I'd be in a position to get a lot of meaningful innings, but a lot of trust from Coach Yoder and Coach Honeycutt our pitching coach, they gave me and I earned like an opportunity to uh be a valuable asset to our team last year.

SPEAKER_01: 3:01

Was there a coach or teacher or teammate that just kind of made you change your perception of baseball?

SPEAKER_04: 3:08

Um, 100%. Uh Coach Honeycutt our pitching coach, uh, he's like, I consider him one of like my best friends, I'd say. And I think he just like kind of taught me, like freshman year and sophomore year, that baseball is supposed to be fun. And that, you know, you can have fun and joke with your friends, but still be locked in at the same time. And I think that he's just a great example of that and makes a sport a thousand times more fun for me.

SPEAKER_01: 3:27

Right. Well, I know that he and Coach Yoder are pretty amazing. Uh my son actually had Coach Yoder for for history. So I I do know him and also from interviewing them both out there at the Meet the Scots event.

SPEAKER_03: 3:39

Uh, I think one person that's really inspired me in baseball throughout my life was one of my travel ball coaches, Coach Ahern. He's just um he's a tough coach, you know, he was really hard on us at practice and games, but I think he taught me a lot about, you know, getting a mentality to, you know, be able to have fun with the game and obviously love it, but also to know when to bear down and just be a guy who can go out there and win.

SPEAKER_02: 4:01

I think uh a person that's really helped me along the way is uh my dad, uh just always pushing me to be the best player that I can be. Um I mean, he's over 60 years old now and still throws the best BP that I know. So uh yeah, that's what I would say, my dad.

SPEAKER_01: 4:21

Well, we always love to hear how the captains got the news and the process of becoming a captain. Can you guys share how it all happened?

SPEAKER_03: 4:29

So basically, uh all of the seniors, we all give a speech about why we should be captain to the former senior class and all the other, you know, kids in baseball. And after that, you know, we go sit down in the locker room with all the other uh seniors who were running for captain and just like sit there for like 20 minutes while the coaches decide who's captain. Yeah. I think one thing I really love about that process though is that once, you know, uh captain was announced, you know, they announced our three names, you know, all my other teammates who ran for captain, even though they didn't get it, you know, they're all very supportive, they're all happy for us. And I think it just shows, you know, our bond and how close each and every one of us are.

SPEAKER_01: 5:05

Sure. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_04: 5:07

The one thing I don't like about it is the uh anticipation of just sitting in the locker room for 20 minutes, like Tripp said, and you just have to sit there and wait for the coaches to walk in and say the captains.

SPEAKER_01: 5:15

I bet that's the longest 20 minutes of your life, right? What about you?

SPEAKER_02: 5:21

I would just agree with with what they said. I mean, it is pretty pretty nerve-wracking also giving a speech up in front of people. I'm not a great public speaker, but uh I mean, we got through it and uh but yeah, I mean, all the teammates were super supportive. I mean, any one of those guys would be great captains.

SPEAKER_01: 5:42

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SPEAKER_01: 6:54

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SPEAKER_03: 7:10

Yeah, one thing that uh is interesting about being captain that I kind of didn't realize was it's a lot more respect from the underclassmen, especially like the freshmen and sophomore that are kind of new to baseball. Like I remember when I was a freshman, I was kind of scared of the captains because they're just like they're a lot bigger than me and a lot stronger. But um, now that I'm a senior, I realize, you know, they're they're not trying to be intimidating. I was just, you know, being a freshman. And I think, you know, that's the thing about being a captain. It's just a lot more leadership and a lot more respect from a lot of people, but especially the underclassmen.

SPEAKER_01: 7:42

Well, how do you guys handle conflict? I'm sure every now and then there's people that are not cooperating or maybe that they're not in a good mood or they're just kind of struggling. How do you lift those people up?

SPEAKER_04: 7:53

Um, I think we kind of talk to each other first, because I think we have a pretty good support system of, you know, all of us, but we'll talk to each other, um, see what we want to do. Ask Coach Yoder if he thinks it's the right move. And then depending on what he says, we'll talk to the team or address that person, whatever.

SPEAKER_02: 8:09

For me, I just think it's encouragement and uh just being nice to people. A lot of times they might not be in the best uh middle state of mind. Uh but I mean, really, just a few nice words can make someone's day go a lot better and shift their perspective on things.

SPEAKER_01: 8:29

That's great. Well, you guys are the third group of baseball captains we've talked to, and it just really sounds like that the coaches have really created a really positive culture. Like all the guys we've talked to just are very positive and upbeat, and we always enjoy having you on. Is has there been a particular moment that you just like really felt proud of the team?

SPEAKER_03: 8:50

I think last year uh in District we played, we played Frisco Reedy. It was like probably our most intense game of the year. We won on an extra innings walk-off. I think I was most proud of the team then because like we stepped up in a lot of ways. Like there were a couple errors late in the game that could have cost us, you know, cost us that win, but we stepped up, you know, everyone on everyone on defense made their plays, and we got a clutch double last year to win the game. I think that was a big moment for our team.

SPEAKER_01: 9:17

Yeah, I heard all about that. That sounded like a great game.

SPEAKER_04: 9:20

Yeah, that was great.

SPEAKER_01: 9:22

Let's talk about some of the fun stuff. Who's the unofficial hype man on the team?

SPEAKER_04: 9:26

Um, I'm gonna go Parker Yoder on that one.

SPEAKER_02: 9:29

I'm gonna uh I'm gonna have to uh disagree with you there. John Field Scovel, he's our manager this year. Uh I mean, I've never seen the kid not energetic. So, I mean, he's he's a pretty solid hype man.

SPEAKER_03: 9:41

Yeah, I think John Field has to take this one. You know, he's he's our manager for a reason. That's because his energy.

SPEAKER_01: 9:47

That's so great. Well, is there I know there's so many teams and players that have funny superstitions, and we always love hearing about that. Do you all have any superstitions that would surprise people?

SPEAKER_04: 9:58

I always like to find my parents in the stands.

SPEAKER_01: 10:00

Okay.

SPEAKER_04: 10:01

I think I'm not really sure why, but it's just like kind of like calms me down a little bit to just find them up there and give them a little like gesture or something. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 10:10

Um are they very loud in the stands? Do they are they yellers?

SPEAKER_04: 10:13

No, they're not the loudest. No.

SPEAKER_02: 10:16

Uh I'd say one of my superstitions, it's kind of weird, but I triple knot my shoes before games. Uh and I yeah, I don't know. Just always done it.

SPEAKER_03: 10:27

Yeah, I think my superstition is I'll just, you know, do everything the same, like the same routine um if I'm going to the bullpen or the same routine in the dugout each inning.

SPEAKER_01: 10:37

Okay. That makes sense. What is the strangest thing that has happened since you've been on the baseball team? Something funny, something crazy, something unbelievable.

SPEAKER_02: 10:45

I think it was really funny. Uh, we were in practice one day and uh coach Aaron Corbett was hitting fungo. He's not the most experienced fungo hitter. Uh and there's no one that wouldn't tell you that, but uh, but yeah, he broke his bat hitting fungo, and that's like really, really, really hard to do.

SPEAKER_01: 11:05

So it is fungo. I don't even know.

SPEAKER_02: 11:08

But when uh the coach is hitting us ground balls and flatballs, and uh he broke his bat doing that. Oh my gosh.

SPEAKER_01: 11:16

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SPEAKER_03: 12:33

Uh, I think something this year that we've done different than years past is we've just had like a lot more emphasis on uh our hitting. Coach Yoders implemented this after school hitting program, like where we all like hit on the field. And I think that's really beneficial to you know our offense.

SPEAKER_02: 12:48

For me, I think this offseason we've just had a ton of energy. And uh I think if we stay energetic, uh that that energy can uh honestly win us some some close games that we might not win if we did not have energy.

SPEAKER_01: 13:03

Absolutely. So how are you guys mentally preparing? You have a game coming up with McKinney Boyd, which I don't even know them. They have so many teams, McKinney and Frisco 2. Uh, how are you guys preparing for it?

SPEAKER_03: 13:15

I think we're all just like ramping up, you know, in our focus and our intent. I think we start uh our like actual like two hour long practices in a couple weeks. So I think it's just like ramping up, you know, how focused we are on the season rather than just building towards our long-term goals because our goals are, you know, coming up right now.

unknown: 13:33

Sure.

SPEAKER_02: 13:34

Yeah, I'd say just being intentional with our work, ethic, and just working hard every day, uh knowing that the goal is is to win as many games as we can.

SPEAKER_01: 13:45

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_04: 13:46

I think that we're just you know, we're just not taking anything for granted because we only have about 45 minutes right now that we can practice. So we have to just take everything one rep at a time and just do our best every time.

SPEAKER_01: 13:58

How many games do you have in total?

SPEAKER_04: 14:00

I don't know. We have a lot.

SPEAKER_01: 14:01

I know you do. I got the list today and I I forgot to count it, but I know baseball just it goes on and on.

SPEAKER_03: 14:06

Yeah, I think we play like 14 district games and then like 15 across three tournaments, and that's not even counting playoffs in our Saturday game. So yeah, we play a lot and it's yeah, it's it's difficult sometimes, but I think it helps us, you know, grow as a team.

SPEAKER_01: 14:21

Of course, yeah, that's a lot. What's one thing that you want the fans to know about this season?

SPEAKER_04: 14:26

Uh I think we're gonna be a really exciting team. I think that we're gonna, you know, hit a lot better than we have in years past, and I think that it's just gonna be a blast to watch us.

SPEAKER_02: 14:34

I would agree. I think uh we have a ton of really good players across the board. We have pitching, we have hitting, uh, we've got speed, I mean, and defense. I mean, I think this is one of the most like all around solid teams that we've had. And I mean, we've got guys playing at the next level. So it just kind of just shows that that we are a solid team.

SPEAKER_03: 15:00

Yeah, I think we're a very experienced team. We're returning starters at almost every position, and even the guys who aren't returning starters, you know, they've grown a lot uh over the summer and over the offseason. So I think we're gonna be a very experienced team, and we're definitely not hoping, but we're definitely excited for a deep playoff run.

SPEAKER_01: 15:18

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SPEAKER_03: 16:08

So we are sponsored by Goff's uh hamburgers. They're gonna be catering for us, and then we've got a lot of other events planned. You know, before we do team announcements, there are a lot of games you can play up at the field. You know, I think last year we had wiffle ball and um you like throw like a football or baseball into like a net. And then we also hopefully this year have the Scotsman doing a dot race at the field. Uh, so that should be a lot fun.

SPEAKER_01: 16:34

Sounds fun.

SPEAKER_03: 16:35

Yeah, I'm really excited for that.

SPEAKER_01: 16:37

Yeah, how could you not be? And it's January 24th from one to three at Scotland Yard.

SPEAKER_02: 16:42

Yes. Yes, man.

SPEAKER_01: 16:43

Yes, and I've been the past two years, and it's really a fun event. It's just a great thing. Bring your whole family out. They love to see you. You can get autographs with the players. It's a really neat event. Now it's usually kind of cold, so bring your coat, check the weather, but it's worth it. It's definitely worth coming out. The food is really good, lots of energy and lots of things to um buy raffle tickets for.

SPEAKER_02: 17:07

Yes, a lot of cool raffle baskets out there.

SPEAKER_01: 17:10

Did any of you go to this when you were younger?

SPEAKER_04: 17:14

I went all the time. Did you really? Yes, ma'am. It was the best.

SPEAKER_01: 17:16

And you just probably I'm sure you looked up to the players and you just thought they were pretty amazing.

SPEAKER_04: 17:20

Yes, ma'am.

SPEAKER_01: 17:21

So now you're those guys that the little kids look up to. No, I I always remember that when I've been out there is the kids just having so much fun getting autographs and photos with you guys.

SPEAKER_03: 17:31

Yeah, I actually I won a raffle when I was like nine. So I got to throw out I got to throw out a first pitch at a game.

SPEAKER_01: 17:38

Oh my god. Yeah, that's pretty cool. Well, so what kind of message do you want to send to future players and young fans? Because I'm sure some are listening to this.

SPEAKER_04: 17:47

Um, just kind of enjoy it because I don't didn't really ever expect to be in this position or you know, be in my last year of baseball or just sports in general. Um I'd say just enjoy it because it flies by and it it really is the best times ever.

SPEAKER_01: 17:59

Yeah, definitely.

SPEAKER_02: 18:00

I would just say uh keep working hard and just don't give up because I was overlooked a lot uh as a as a player when I was younger and and I mean I just stuck with it, kept working really hard, didn't let people tell me that I couldn't, and uh I mean it's paying off. Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_03: 18:24

Yeah, I think it's all about having confidence in yourself and what you can bring to the team, and it's about you know working on you know building your strength, building your skills as a player, and you know, earning a role on varsity.

SPEAKER_01: 18:37

Great advice. Well, when you graduate, what do you hope that your teammates remember most about you?

SPEAKER_04: 18:44

Um, probably just my energy and just the you know format I have. I hope that people see that and it spreads to them too.

SPEAKER_03: 18:51

Uh I hope my teammates remember me as just a guy who, you know, had a lot of confidence in himself and and hopefully inspired that confidence in other others and helped them succeed.

SPEAKER_02: 19:01

I hope my teammates remember me as just a high energetic person and who's just nice to other people, because I mean that's really all that matters.

SPEAKER_01: 19:11

When you guys are in a team like this, you've been together for many years, you spend a lot of hours together, and at some point in time, some funny stuff starts to happen. Do you guys have any funny stories you can share with us?

SPEAKER_04: 19:24

Um, I know I talked about Coach Honey Cut earlier and how I made everything fun for us, but after some big wins, Coach Honeycutt, there's an indoor pool that like our swimming teams and our water polo teams use, and he would go unlock that for us, and we would all go and jump off the high dive and swim in there for like 15 minutes, and we'd try to get Coach Honey Cut wet. But uh yeah, I know it's just the best. Coach Honey Cat, he really does a great job of getting us fired up and having a good time.

SPEAKER_01: 19:49

Okay, that sounds like a lot of fun.

SPEAKER_02: 19:52

Uh a funny story. Well, I mean, I wouldn't I don't think it's funny. It's a actually really serious thing, uh really competitive. But uh there's something called uh ESL that me and three other guys, Gabe Nowak, Cole Flashnick, and Parker Yoder have. ESL stands for Electronic Sports League. We have a TV in our locker room, and we connected a Wii to it, and we have really, really competitive uh tennis games in there. I mean, there have been some broken controllers. Uh I mean, there have been a couple of times when A.D. Gilbert has had to come down and tell us to keep it down a little bit. But yeah, those get super competitive. I mean Gabe Nowak is currently number one on the leaderboard. I'm number two, and then Cole's at three, and then Parker's uh Parker's at four right now. He we're thinking about a possible demotion and bringing up someone else, but that's just the current rankings for everyone who wants to know that.

SPEAKER_01: 20:58

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SPEAKER_03: 22:32

So I'm currently in an after-school throwing program with three of my teammates who've all been putting in a lot of work. You know, it's a commitment to do this throwing program. Uh Ryan Donahoe, Danello Chan, and Weston Gray. You know, they've all put in a lot of effort to uh get to the point they're at.

SPEAKER_04: 22:50

Um, I'd say I have two that I think have been really good, but I'll start with Gabe Noak. Uh he's been really locked in in the offseason, um, just doing a lot, working out all the time. Um I can I I really see him just wanting to play a lot, and I think he's earning it right now, and he's a total stud. And then another one is uh Charles Brewer. He's been in football for, I mean, the whole school year, and he's been hitting three times a week, getting up there and just swinging, and you know, he's really showing he's hitting the ball super hard, and he's also just a great player.

SPEAKER_02: 23:22

I agree with Martin and Tripp. All those guys they just mentioned are doing a great job making uh huge leaps in their uh development. But I've got uh three guys that have really just worked insanely hard. Uh and that's uh Leaf Richie, my brother. He's been making some good jumps. He was on JV last year, and he looks to get a lot of playing time this year. And uh just super proud of my younger brother and uh two other guys. Uh shout out the bomb boys, uh Cole Flashnick and James Siegler. I mean, we I mean, we work out every single day together. Just hit, lift, field. I mean, those guys work their tails off, and uh I'm really excited to see what all those guys do.

SPEAKER_01: 24:11

Awesome. Okay, now we're gonna have some fun. We're gonna do some lightning round questions. Let's go. Favorite post-game meal.

SPEAKER_04: 24:19

Um, gotta be Whataburger. Uh, I get a big patty mount with a side of fries, chocolate shake, and a root beer. Um, hits the spot every time.

SPEAKER_01: 24:27

Yum. Dream MLB player to meet.

SPEAKER_02: 24:30

I'm gonna have to say Brandon Crawford, without a doubt. Favorite player of all time.

SPEAKER_01: 24:35

What's in your baseball bag that would surprise people?

SPEAKER_03: 24:39

So I keep a lot of snacks in my baseball bag because uh I'm the closer and I kind of get snacky during the game.

SPEAKER_01: 24:46

I love it. That's hilarious. Well, guys, thank you so much for joining us today. I can't wait to see what happens this season. Really appreciate you coming in.

SPEAKER_03: 24:55

Yes, man. Thank you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_01: 24:58

That's been another episode of the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson, and I'll see you next time.