By Brooklyn Fernandez ’26
The Derby Red Raider baseball team is off to a 3-6 start to their baseball season. With almost half of their games played, they are struggling to have a positive record and beat the teams they are supposed to. Most of the time, the boys start off hot in the early game and lose it towards the end, or they lose it early in the game and give up early.
I talked with two of the baseball teams’ captains to get their take on how things have been, what needs improvement, and what has gone well so far. Michael Slack ‘25 said, “A lot of kids who were struggling last year are stepping up and getting hits. We are doing well hitting. We have to work on pitching and making the routine plays routine.” Slack ‘25 believes they are not able to pitch well and are not able to make the plays they should be, but kids are stepping up and being role models and doing their best to improve their game. Nicholas Sheridan ‘25 said, “We need to work on mentality and coming to games ready to compete, not just to play. We have kept each other motivated throughout the season so far.” Sheridan is saying as a team, they need to have a better mindset and be more competitive for each game, but believes there is non-stop encouragement in the dugout and on the field.
Photo by Anthony Mullin: DHS baseball home opener win versus Waterbury Career Academy.
The whole team is working hard every day in practice to win the number of games needed to make it to the playoffs. Everyone on the team believes in each other and is ready to work for what they want to achieve. High hopes for the team and good luck to all of you on the rest of your season!
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Derby and Naugatuck baseball teams after game at Dunkin Park on April 24, 2025.
The Raider Press 