The Benedictine Baseball team swings into another season after falling short of the state title in last year’s championship game.
Coach Kevin Farmer emphasized returning to basics and developing young players after losing strong veterans like Will Walker, Trent Markiton, and of course, Vanderbilt’s Carter Holton. Farmer stated the importance of building a competitive pitching rotation, highlighting that graduated players Holton and Markiton carried most of the reps last season.
Each year the coaches select a motto or mantra for the season. In keeping with the theme of young players, the motto this season is “Whole Squad Ready.” When asked why he selected the theme, Farmer pointed out, “We have a lot of first-timers on varsity, and everybody needs to be ready to step up and get the job done.”
After being asked how he thought his players would describe him, Farmer chuckled and responded, “Firm, Fair, and Consistent.”
Senior standout Justin Thomas, who plans to continue his baseball career at the University of Georgia, stated his goals this season are to win 4-A Player of The Year and improve his leadership ability. When asked what qualities he feels make him such a strong and accomplished athlete, he stated his “knowledge and love for the game, competitiveness, and drive to win.”
Many younger players look up to Thomas as a dominant athlete, but when asked who he admires, Thomas mentioned players such as Holton, Brandon Philips, Robert Acuna, and Mike Trout.
Utility player Charles Pulaski, who plans to continue playing ball at Berry College, stated his season’s goals are to make the First-Team All-Region and improve his overall game and leadership. Pulaski pointed out that it is important with this young team to dominate on the offensive side of the ball and that everyone “needs to be able to step up.”
Pulaski cited his ability to stay calm in stressful situations as a key attribute. He feels his teammates would describe him as “high-energy” and a “glue guy.”
Farmer and his players uniformly expressed a laser focus to win the region and compete for a state title. Keep an eye out for the Cadets this year on the diamond.
Optim Orthopedics supports Benedictine Military School, Calvary Day School, Richmond Hill High School, Savannah Country Day, South Effingham High School, and St. Vincent's athletics. Benedictine Military School's team doctor is Dr. David Sedory. The team doctor for Calvary Day School, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill is Dr. David Palmer. Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's team doctor is Dr. Thomas Alexander. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game!.
Photo - AJ Balbo Benedictine Cadet
