The blazing sun beats down on the diamond as Rock Creek baseball players dig in at the plate and swing for another win. Leading the charge from the dugout is Coach Shane Sieben, the head of the Rock Creek baseball team and the steady force behind the team’s championship momentum.
When asked about last season’s big win, Sieben describes a picture-perfect finish that is complete with champion winning celebration.
“I mean, I just love seeing the look on those kid’s faces, seeing a dog pile, and then all the hugs and celebrations are tough to pass up” Sieben said.
Rounding the bases on a season full of effort and growth, Sieben has many proud moments to reflect on but most of them do not have anything to do with the final score or outcome, but more about seeing his players happy and successful. He continues to coach with intention, always challenging his team to hustle harder and level up.
Stepping up to the plate with his perspective junior shortstop Peter Martinie, reflects on how the close bonds with his teammates has deepened his own connection to the game. Players are not just teammates they are a tight-knit crew.
According to Martinie, the connection they share makes all the difference, both on and off the field. They have built a culture where players influence each other, push each other, and grow together inning after inning.
When asked about the toughest part about playing baseball, Martinie believes it’s the strikeouts and setbacks that drives success. The courage comes in when you step up to the plate again and again, and helping others do the same.
“Baseball is a hard game” Martinie said, “You’re going to have failure, and you’re going to not succeed every single time you go out on the field.”
Sieben, Martinie, and the entire teams mindsets are what keeps Rock Creek swinging game after game.
“You can’t expect to get to your goals if you don’t try,” Martinie said.
With every base hit and pep talk, Rock Creek baseball proves that the real win is the motivation they give each other, season after season.
At the end of the day, Rock Creek baseball is not just a team it’s a family.
