The newest addition to the boys varsity baseball team this year was not physically a part of the team, but uplifted the Sand Lot boys in many ways. 

Sophomore Travis Hefter and junior Nico Arena stepped up to the booth this year with the role of announcing the boys’ home games. Not only do they announce, but they entertain the audience of parents and fans. 

When the team was looking for a new announcer, Travis’ mom knew he would be perfect for the position.  Travis said, “My mom is the real reason I am doing this in the first place. She kept pushing me to announce the games and I kept saying no. Finally, I said yes because I wanted her to stop asking me. Turns out it was a great decision, so props to her.”

But it isn’t just a one man show. Travis looked for a partner and found it in junior Nico Arena.  Nico, who is also known as the “Tech Genius,” said, “I love being there for my friends on the baseball team and really being able to bring a certain positive spirit. Trav does the talking. I do the tech, that’s why we work so well together.”

The boys in the booth had a positive effect on the team, keeping them smiling even in the tough games. Senior outfielder Andrew Stalters said, “The announcers really gave us as a team the confidence and uplifted everyone’s spirit on the team, even when we were down a few runs. With them it always seemed like we had hope.”

Unfortunately, the boys team lost the playoff-clenching game last Friday, May 15, to East Hampton. Although the season did not end the way they hoped, this is only the start to their success in the future. Luckily, Travis and Nico will be there every step of the way.