IU club team swinging for the playoffs

Finishing a game short of perfection last season at 13-1, the IU Club Baseball team is ready for another successful season with high expectations.\nThe team has been preparing for the new season since January, practicing three to five times a week.\n“We will do what we need to in order to come out on top again,” said Matt Ostrega, the team’s founder, current treasurer and catcher.\nCurrently ranked No. 8 in the nation, Ostrega said the team is “getting better and better each year.”\nErik Pedersen, vice president of IU Club Baseball, said games and practices are lighthearted.\n“We just have fun, crack jokes and play the game for what it is,” Pedersen said.\nNot being able to get excused from classes like varsity players, the club’s members are forced to make their schedules fit. They practice on weeknights and schedule games on weekends. Ben Lambert, the president of the IU Club Baseball team, said once they finally can find times to play or practice, other factors get in the way as well.\n“The weather does not make practicing easy,” Lambert said.\nJamie Pratt, sponsor of IU Club Baseball and the team’s faculty adviser, said he helps with controlling the budget. Pratt said he makes sure that the club abides by the rules and regulations laid out by the University. \nHelping Pratt, Ostrega holds a number of fund raisers each year; additionally, donations from club members help make sure the team gets through the season financially.\nOutside of financial obligations, Lambert said he expects the team to be a lot better than last season.\n“I see no reason why the team cannot make it to the regional tournaments,” he said.\nOstrega said there are “big expectations this season,” with the ultimate goal of making it to the playoffs.\nThe team is working hard toward meeting its goal and hopes to accomplish what is expected of them this season, Ostrega said.\n“We have the talent to do big things.”