Although it’s not quite spring weather yet, America’s favorite pastime, baseball, is right around the corner. Major League baseball is not the only excitement around Mount Carmel,  as the Caravan baseball team also preps for another run towards a state title.

While Jonathan Nelson, a senior theology teacher, expects a tough season for his beloved White Sox, he enthused about the prospects of the Caravan and Cubs. “I am excited for baseball season. There’s nothing better than going to games and enjoying the summer, plus there’s a lot of hype around the city which is great. Baseball is fun and that is the way it should be.”

Undoubtedly, fans of both Chicago teams and Mount Carmel baseball will watch their respective teams have their highs and lows. The Cubs, as everyone remembers, staged an historic season with a fantastic run towards the playoffs, capturing the hearts of diehards as well as many bandwagon fans who suddenly remembered where their old jerseys were hung.

Things like that don’t bother Brian Hurry, a sophomore history teacher as well as MC’s varsity baseball coach. Hurry believes that the Cubs have the right leadership in place with Manager Joe Maddon, President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, and General Manager Jed Hoyer. “Talent is great, but what is even better is the leadership. The Cubs have the right leadership for the young guys to excel and get better.”

Meanwhile, the White Sox have planted a seed to grow into a playoff contender with good acquisitions in the offseason with the likes of  Alex Avila, Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie. After suffering through a tough season, these acquisitions have brought hope to the White Sox fans.

The Caravan baseball team shared in the highs and lows last season.  They had a successful season with a 35-6 record with only one loss in CCL play and a memorable sectional victory over St. Rita.  But he season ultimately ended in disappointment as they were defeated by Providence Catholic in the state championship game.

But with the onset of a new spring and warmer weather, the excitement level is through the roof again. Now all we need is a Cubs-White Sox World Series and the Caravan winning state for the second time in the school’s history. Will it happen?