Players are moving into a fresh season, as Lakeland baseball has a new head coach and other recently developed staff members.
Al Bevacqua is not only part of the varsity football coaching staff but has taken new ownership as the Lakeland baseball head coach. Bevacqua, who has a previous background in baseball, is humbled by the opportunity to come back and coach a game he truly loves.
“The coaching staff is still getting to know our players, and the players are getting to know us better,” Bevacqua said. “There is a ton of opportunity to grow within our program, so that is the part that really pushes us to move forward in a direction of positivity and engagement.”
Bevacqua looks to build off current LHS traditions and slow the game down by returning to the basics.
“This program has a ton of tradition,” Bevacqua said. “I am looking to build on that tradition and go back to the basics of the game.”
As the runningback coach for varsity football and a decorated baseball background, Bevacqua has some expectations that he wants to be met to succeed this season.
“My expectation for the entire program is to be competitive,” Bevacqua said. “We have to learn how to compete against the game of baseball and not solely against the opponent in the other dugout.”
As the player’s excitement rises for the 2024 season, it does so for Bevacqua.
Last season, LHS baseball finished with a record of 4-19.
The first day of baseball tryouts will be on Feb. 23 and 24, to decide the makeup of each team. The Hawks will then kick off the season on March 12 against Timberlake High School at Timberlake.
