Building good team chemistry is important for any sports team, but it takes time and shared experiences to make that happen. For the Cherry Hill East Boys’ Varsity Baseball team, one way they’ve worked on their team chemistry is by going to Spring training, a tournament in Florida at the start of each season. They started this tradition after the COVID-19 pandemic and have gone every year since, except this year. The trip has helped the team bond and get their season off to a great start.
Who wouldn’t want to miss school, hang out with friends, and play the game they love in great weather? It sounds like the perfect way to kick off the season. So, why didn’t the team go on the trip this year?
“Just between the week of the senior trip and when there were available tournaments, there weren’t any weeks that worked out for us to go this year. Another thing that did not help was the way the schools spring break lineup this year with our schedule and it being on a different week than normal,” said Coach Jason Speller, the head coach of the team. “We’ve been fortunate enough to be able to go every year since covid and this is our first year missing. As of now we are planning to go next season.”
The tradition of the Florida trip started as a way to give the team a jump start after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the season’s uncertainty made it hard to build team chemistry. Coach Speller decided to organize the trip in hopes of creating a bonding experience for the players and getting them back into the groove of competitive play. The trip has proven to be more than just a fun getaway, it’s been an essential part of how the team develops their camaraderie and builds trust both on and off the field.
By spending an extended period together in a relaxed setting, players get to know each other outside of the pressure of a game or practice. This allows them to bond in ways that are difficult during the regular season when everyone’s schedules are packed. Whether it’s through a shared meal, a walk on the beach, or late-night conversations, these moments build a foundation for teamwork that lasts the entire season. The team stays at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.
“Going to Florida helps us build chemistry because it’s a chance to be able to hang out with your teammates all day. We also get to play games in beautiful weather,” said Senior Captain Zach Salsbery (‘25) Salsbery was able to go on the trip twice during his time at East.
“It’s really unfortunate that the team couldn’t go on the trip this season. It sounds like an amazing experience and a lot of fun,” said freshman player Cole Lawler (‘28). “Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to go on the trip in my later years at East.”
“Going on the trip is a lot of fun, ’cause there was just a lot to do with the team and it was really fun playing teams from out of state and even across the country. Being able to hit a grand slam during our time in Florida last year was awesome and an awesome memory to add on to the trip,” said Ryan Moyer (‘26), who went on the trip last season for the first time. Moyer launched a ball over the left field fence for a grand slam to help add on to the team’s victory against Northern Highland Regional high school in North Jersey.
On the brightside, the season has officially begun for the Cougars. They kicked off their season with a dominating 11-0 win against Camden Catholic. The team was led by star sophomore Dillon Haddock (‘27), who had 5 RBI’s, to go along with a double and homerun. Hopefully next season the boys will be able to find their way into the sunshine state.