Boca Ciega High School Baseball Squad Better Than Expected

Boca Ciega High School has had a checkered past when it comes to baseball. 

Some years the Pirates are strong, other years the team has served as little more than batting practice for opponents.

The dark days may be in the rear view mirror as Boca Ciega is off to a promising if not surprising start to the 2011 season.

"We have a lot of  young guys, a few juniors," Boca Ciega Assistant Coach Brandon Diaz said. "Nate Aipel is a good hitter and out best pitcher."

Individually, Diaz thought the Pirates possessed some talent. But the more they play together the better they have grown and the more the team has impressed Diaz if not surprised him.

"Once you get in the swing of things, it's been really special," Diaz said.

The surprise has been not so much that the team has grown together, but what the Pirates have turned out to be. 

"Before the season, I thought our strength would have been our defensive but in the past four games [prior to the Pirates' game with Clearwater Thursday] we have scored 59 runs in the past four games. Right now our offense is carrying us. They are hitting the ball very well."

Some teams in south Pinellas County aren't known for fielding baseball teams. In short, good teams will rout the lesser teams because of the lack of talent. 

"We used to be one of those teams," Diaz said.

While little can be gauged from an offensive showing against such a lesser opponent, Diaz believes lopsided wins are important.

"The thing is, if you can go out and score runs, you do it," Diaz said. "It builds confidence. You hope that carries on for you when you are in tougher games."