Captains Corner: Baseball

The varsity baseball team is coming off of back-to-back Founders League championships and are one of the highest ranked teams going into this season. Needless to say, expectations are high and the pressure is on. We sat down with captain Owen Callaghan ’25 to find out how he and his teammates are prepping for the season. 

How many years have you been playing baseball at Avon?

“I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember—since I was a toddler. I’ve been at Avon all four years, and I’ve pitched at least one game for varsity all four years.” 

Why do you think you were appointed captain?

“I have a lot of experience with the team, but I don’t think it’s just that I’ve been here for four years. It’s all the things I’ve learned during those years. I think it also has to do with doing things right outside of baseball. Getting it done in the classroom, being involved around campus, etc.”

What does the role of baseball captain entail?

“There’s nothing on paper, but that’s a good thing. Each team is different, so each captain needs to provide different things. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure you and your team are all on the same page, doing things the right way. As a captain, my job is really to make sure I’m controlling the controllables.”

What do you think makes a good leader?

“I think having mutual respect, both for and from the rest of the team, is huge. You have to realize that you’re not the only leader on the team. We had three captains last year, but a whole team full of leaders. When someone else was stepping up, our captains encouraged it. I think it also has a lot to do with how you carry yourself, both on and off the field.”

What are your expectations/goals for the season?

“Obviously, I want to win it all again. We’re actually hoping to go undefeated in the league, too. We have the talent to do it, we just have to show up every game. I really want home field advantage for the playoffs. Every time I imagine playing—it’s at home. It’s never an away game. Walking down from the locker room, to that same field we practice on every day, that’s how I want it to be.”

Any particular game you’re looking forward to the most?

“We have a lot of rivals, but recently Choate has been a big one. The last few seasons, we’ve had some close games with them, which is awesome, but stressful. I’m definitely looking forward to that one, but every game is a must-win.”