By: Chloe Wilson

Humor Editor

After last year’s spectacular season full of success, the Los Gatos High School Varsity Baseball Team is ready to go into 2025 stronger than ever. With a first place standing in the De Anza League for the 2025 season, the players are looking forward to repeating their accomplishments this year. With a 23-5 overall record, an 11-3 league record, and fifth place in the Central Coast Section rankings, showing that their season had many recognizable achievements. With a strong lineup and solid preparation, the team is equipped to take on the new season’s challenges.

A major highlight from 2024 was the varsity team’s trip to middle Tennessee to compete against teams outside of their league. Interestingly enough, the tournament took place near where their coach, Mike Minkel, played collegiate baseball at Cumberland University.

As for individual player achievements, the team had its fair share of awards, featuring current senior Zach Biller and junior Ethan Williams on the First Team All-League, along with junior Rowen Smith being named to the Second Team All-League. All players recognized have proven to be key aspects of their team’s successes.

Sophomore Josh Pearman, who played for the freshman team last year, shares that during the pre-season, the players would “go to the cages and do on-field stuff before the season starts.” The Wildcats did lose their CCS Division 1 First Round game against No. 4 seed Carmel last season. However, it is clear that the coaches have focused on training to come back stronger this year and be more prepared than their opponents.

Concerning the JV team last year, their season was also triumphant, with an overall record of 23-4 and a league record of 12-2. The JV team, alongside varsity, had many victories this past season, beating schools like Saint Francis (10-4) and Mitty (6-3), proving that Los Gatos is one of the few public school teams still competing against programs in the West Catholic Athletic League.

The freshman team also had an impressive season during 2024, with a record of 6-6-1. A former player on the freshman team last year, sophomore Sam Petke explains that his favorite memory on the team was “probably our last away game, versus James Logan [High School].”

Los Gatos Baseball looks to set high expectations for all three of their teams during this season. Striving to hold their teammates to high standards and accomplish even more than their celebrated season last year. With a strong foundation of talent and determination, the Wildcats are prepared to go even further this season. Getting their season started early, the varsity team’s first game is away versus Menlo Atherton on Feb. 25. As they carry on the Los Gatos legacy, make sure to come out and support your Wildcats Baseball team!

(Source: MaxPreps)