Having subcultures

Subcultures can be brought about when we look at things such as age, ethnicity, class, location, or gender of the members. When the Bluffton Beavers baseball team is brought up, most of the examples above are a part of the subculture.

There is a distinct factor of gender when we think of Bluffton Baseball. This is due to the fact that there is a softball team that contains all females on it. This is nothing that is or can be labeled because it is a part of the culture. Along with that it is part of the lives of those who attend Bluffton or are associated with them through there leagues or tournament play.

Another thing that falls under the subculture theme is the fact that there is a range of four to five years of ages on the team. This year specifically there are more freshmen on the team rather than any other class. This is all a part of the collegiate four year life for athletes. Talking to Senior, Steve Torrez, he explained, "To me it doesn't matter what year the players on this team are. Everyone can contribute and bring different qualities."


When we speak of ethnicity, this team has no specific pattern but all of the players come from different backgrounds. That is why at Bluffton there is a warm atmosphere that allows anyone from anywhere be comfortable in their own skin. Lastly, the location of the team is pretty much together at all times. There seems to be a sense that the baseball team eats, sleeps, and drinks baseball, which is what you want as a coach. The things that we see daily are the things that we grow to know and for a team things are somewhat the same way. This season hopefully the Beavers can come together and combine their subculture mindset to be a great team.

Basketball or Baseball

The Bluffton Beavers Baseball team is highly regarded for many different things. The mix up between basketball and baseball during a game gave the crowd a chuckle. During a close game at Bluffton University the Beavers were giving it everything they had. There was a ferocious ground ball hit directly to the middle infield. The second baseman and the shortstop quickly reacted and the shortstop get the ball first. Just when it seems as if the play will be definitely made, you see the ball jump up and go towards the players face. In one instant, it seemed as if the game was over due to the bad hop of the baseball.


The young man did not feel this way, he was determined to make the play and keep his team in the game. With a quick reaction, the player smacked the ball down from his face and proceeded to repeat that motion, which made it seem as if the player had bounced the ball. There was a dead silence until the ball was thrown to first base and the runner was called out by the umpire. This must have acted as a spark to loosen the Beavers. After that inning the Beavers took the game over and won with no problems, with a score of ten to six.

Players in the heat of the battle must be ready to act and react. The reason why the fans are dedicated is because of that statement. They always get a show when they come and watch their own Bluffton Beavers, whether they are winning or playing the wrong sport, it always seems as if they are crowd pleasers.

Ethical Issues

The Bluffton Beavers begin their season in Florida, as part of a tournament labeled, The Snowbird Classic. This consists of teams from all over the United States. Being on this trip means so much to the players even though their is limited space on the roster and not everyone is able to participate.

Attendance is based solely on what the coaches believe the players can do in Florida to help the team start at their highest potential. This is the purpose of having a Fall season as the Beavers do, this is used as a tryout which in many cases is hard for the coaches. This is due to the fact that when you have collegiate athletes, you know that they are capable of playing at this level. That is when it gets tricky and becomes hard because you have to make a list saying who will attend and who will not. This is one of the few ethical issues that the baseball team goes through. I talked to a freshmen baseball player, Ian Land. Ian said, "I really want to go to Florida. I want to see what Bluffton baseball games are all about and help them out the best I can while we are there."

This process sometimes can make or break a program. It is just as if you feel that you are great at something then someone comes along and tells you that you are not good enough to do as others are doing. Maybe that is a little harsh but at times it has to be done and it is something that comes along with life. This brings about a sense of reality and that is what the Beavers hopes takes them to the next level. Even though the Beavers have had a bad past, they feel that realistically they have a chance to make a mark in Florida. Hopefully, the Beavers will not let ethical issues get in their way of victories.

High Hopes and Excitement

High hopes and excitement fill the air as the promise of a new season is on the horizon for the Bluffton Baseball team. Bluffton Baseball hopes that the future will be as promising as many players, student, faculty, and community members predict. Sophomore, Brittany Stegmaier made a comment, "coming in as a freshman I don not remember the baseball team being that good. I hope that by the time I am a Junior or a Senior they are running for the title in the HCAC." This program has the potential to make a name for itself. The talent level that the team possess may not be shown because of how young the team is at this point. That being said, all that is really needed is time. Time will let the young players mold into mature young men. This is a process yet a season and a season only comes once a year. The Beavers have more time than other programs because of the solid play and dedication of their freshmen class. With the coaching of James Grandey and two assistants, the Bluffton Baseball team will be under the public microscope to stand out in the next four years or so.


The team is trying to disregard talk of new renovations that is going around campus. They want to be able to enjoy that when it comes and focus now to putting hard work in for the next couple of years. Instead of being known as a team they will be known as great baseball players that turned a team into a program. Time is ticking so make sure you keep an eye on the Beavers and wish them well in the future.

Impressive start for Freshman

With a record breaking eight minute and fifteen second mile and a half run, 6"1', Ian Land, a center field freshman at Bluffton University, hopes to make his mark on the baseball field in the approaching 2010 season. Eric Penz, a former Bluffton University player said, "Ian's times are astonishing to witness." Not receieving any scholarships or grants to go to Bluffton, Ian still hopes he can succeed and help out the team on and off the field.

Originally from Troy, Michigan, he played high school baseball at Lathrup High in Southfield and later transferrring to Athens High as a junior where Ian was a part of the O.A.A. championship team. Ian has been quoted saying that he still holds that dearly in his heart. He hopes to keep the tradition of winning as he enters the collegiate level of play.

As the days go by, you notice that technology gets increasingly more efficient and as baseball moves to the collegiate level, the game speeds up. One thing that a team needs is speed; luckily the Beavers have acquired exactly that with their pickup of Ian. With all talents must come discipline. This holds true when it comes to speed also, in turn let's see if in this 2010 season, Ian Land can help the Beavers speed to the top of the HCAC.

Tension

The Bluffton Beavers BAseball team has come a long way in the past couple years but still have not reached their peak. There is tension building due to the mass number of freshman that are in the program this season. The team feels that there will be a tough competition for the positions this year. This is great though from a coaching standpoint because if you have this tension it only will show you your strong points and points of weakness. This builds team chemistry and creates a desire to work hard for playing time.


"There is no telling who will play, we are deep on the bench with talent and also have talent on the field. We know when we are not on the field it is because whoever is bringing something to the plate at that time, that will help us get wins. All we really want to do is win and do what is best for the team," Said first year player Ian Land. This is very understandable and shows you that this is why the Beavers are trying to overcome tension, even though the human and natural reaction is to want to play in the game at all times.

The team puts themselves as individuals second and the team and there record before that. Therefore, they are positive that they will not let anything stir them up to the point that they cannot play and work together to get to where they would like to be as a team. Hopefully the Beavers can pull it off and come together to really make a statement while they are young. They look like they are not fazed by competition and they live for the game. So tune in to watch the Beavers strive for excellence.

Community

Despite winning games and losing games, the Bluffton Beavers Men's Baseball team is much more than just a baseball team. They are a group of individuals that make up a family that stretches further than many may ever know. The team has been through many ups and downs and during a down time in the program, the Beavers lost five members of their team due to a deadly bus crash. The team is highly reguarded because they have carried on a legacy for those that were not able to keep playing. This is sad and unimaginable to have to go through as a player on the team. I know that it would take some very hard thinking sessions for myself to get out there and keep playing after something like that. There are many ways for people to react to this situation. The team took it to heart and continued to play baseball for themselves for those that were lost in the incident and also for the families of those who lost their lives. This showed many people something about the "old" Beavers. This made people from all over tune in to how they were doing and hope the best due to how they bounced back from something that would or could completely ruin other teams or families. All teams do stand for something, but sometimes teams just stand for different things. Many of the things are simple and pertain exactly to the group or team but the Beavers are truthfully a family and will be forever. From what our eyes have seen, the Beavers will continue this tradition of family and play their hearts out for each other and those that are touched by their love for the game.

HCAC Perspective?

The past six seasons, Bluffton's men's baseball team has not had a winning record in the HCAC (Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference). The Bearvers have the necessary tools to win; how they use these tools we will only have to see.

With the team's best record coming in 2006, the Beavers finished out conference play with a total of ten wins and elevan losses. In the past two seasons the team came close to getting ten wins in the conference but in both years fell just short with seven. Even after six years of hard play and a 35-90 win/loss record, the team has not given up hope.


This year's team hopes to showcase their play thus 2010 spring and stride forward into the new. The Beavers have the necessary tools to make a mark in their conference this year. Coach Grandey had said this, "This season will be tougher than any previous year. Most of the squads consist of large groups of experienced seniors and standout returnees. However, in this conference anybody can beat anybody, and I am confident that we will make our mark in the HCAC this year."

Pre-Season Talk

The 2010 Spring season is quickly approaching, The Bluffton Beavers Men's Baseball Team is looking forward to enter conference play with a statement. Though there are many first year members on the team, the Beavers seem confident and focused. Pass mishaps have labeled the team and make it seem that this is why the program has been held back. Beginning February 27th the Beavers look to shake lose from the old and enjoy the new by winning there season opener against Kenya University. The two teams will travel to Chillicothe (located south east of Dayton Ohio) stadium where the Beavers hope tobeing a great year! Some key players to watch for throughout this year are: (Senior) Cody Macpherson. With one of the best career batting averages Cody hopes to keep his bat working and rally his team to victory with his tremendous contribution from the plate. (Senior) Steven Torrez. As a returning started for the Beavers, Steven hopes to help the team by being vocal and a physical leader. Being a catcher, Steven must be a brick wall so to speak, whether it's behind the plate or in the dugout, he will do his best to hold the team up. (Junior) Adrian Fritch (below), also a returning starter. Adrian looks to get the Beavers out of innings quickly and has proved to do so in his career on the team. He knows that on the mound he is in control and from the looks of it he is ready and fearless. (Sophomore) Tyler Stephonson. IN his second year as a Beaver, Tyler hopes to continue what he began last year as a first year player. A kid with drive and determination, looking to make a mark in the field with great defensive stops, a solid relief pitcher, and also a left handed hitter with plenty of power. (Sophomore) Nick Broyles. A left handed lead off hitter who keeps the defense on their toes every time he enters the batters box. Gifted with speed, a strong arm, and much more, Nick is pumped and ready to do what it takes to win. The Beavers are always looking for fans or supporters to cheer them on as they try and conquer the unconquered and explore a new dimension by setting a winning trend for those to come. The Beavers schedules are located all around the village at various small businesses that continuously support their team through thick and thin. With strong backing, consistency, dedication, perseverance, and fun the team will have a chance to accomplish something that has been difficult to do as of late. One thing that tends to stick with those who hear it, is the teams slogan, (P.R.I.D.E.) Practicing responsibility in daily excellence. A program that has overcame a struggle looks to take this slogan and a team filled with determination to every game in this upcoming 2010 spring season.