Baseball season does not officially open for months, but many athletes across Florida enjoy an extra fall ball season. Teams are typically composed of travel team players who use the extra reps to improve their skills for their official spring high school teams.
“Our fall program is designed to give our young players opportunities to gain experience, get at-bats and log innings,” said Conchball coach Ralphie Henriquez. “We do not keep official stats – the results are not our focus at this stage. Our priority is development, teaching and the growth of each player.”
Henriquez’s 16U Conchball team made the short trip to Marathon on Oct. 21 to play a friendly fall baseball game against the Pro-Form 305 17U squad, whose roster includes players from the Middle Keys, coached in part by Marathon’s Joey Gonzalez.
“These fall games are extremely important for both programs as they give the baseball players from the Middle and Lower Keys the opportunity to compete in a more flexible and informal game setting and work on their craft before the spring high school baseball season,” Gonzalez said.
The matchup saw talent from both squads, especially on the mound. Pro-Form 305’s Dylan Williams and Jack Chapman combined for five innings of work and Conchball’s Tyrone Cervantes threw two scoreless innings.
The fall programs provide more than just extra at-bats; they allow teams to build camaraderie and develop positive relationships among programs, athletes and coaches.
“It was a lot of fun and a great atmosphere, and we look forward to a continued baseball relationship between Pro-Form 305 and Conchball for many off-seasons to come,” said Gonzalez.
JUSTICE LEE ISOM/Keys Weekly
