Bakersfield College’s baseball team began its season with returning experience leading the way.
BC opened the season by hosting a tournament Jan. 25-26 defeating Irvine Valley 3-2 in the first game, and 9-0 in the second, while suffering a loss to Long Beach City 8-4.
Head coach Tim Painton said, “The tournament was about getting on the field and getting three games under our belt.”
Outfielder Tyler Garewal, 19, had three RBIs against Irvine Valley, while catcher AJ Day, 18, had one RBI to clinch the win.
The Renegades beat Reedley College 12-3 Feb. 2.
Fourteen returning players made this year’s roster. Garewal and third base/pitcher Jeff Burleson, 20, were selected to last year’s All-Western state conference team and pitcher Kyle Witten, 19, made second team All-Western state conference.
All three have signed letters of intent to Division I schools in 2007.
“We have the team to get it done, I have high expectations,” Burleson said.
Dedication to the game is mandatory for the entire Renegade team. Painton said, “We go year round. We spend more time with each other than we do with our own families. We are a family.” If the Renegades are not scheduled to play, they are practicing.
Painton adds strength and stability by returning for his 13th year. Outfield coach Ronnie Machado Jr. said, “Painton has great knowledge of the game. The way he teaches and breaks it down is excellent.”
Painton does not feel a need for team captains. “The team holds each other accountable,” Painton said.
Painton does, however, look to key returning players to lead and set the tone.
Witten said, “I think we will go a long way. We are a year older and wiser, which is a definite benefit.”
The team believes one of their greatest strengths is defense. According to Garewal, “We have speed and soft hands.”
The returning players also lend support to their freshman teammates.
As Day learned, collegiate baseball is much different than high school. “The players are much bigger and faster, there is more responsibility, It’s a big step up,” said Day.
BC (3-1) faces Oxnard Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. and Modesto Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at Gerry Collis field.