With the season opener on Feb. 1, the Fresno City College baseball team is feeling prepared and more determined than ever.

Returning players Jack Karraker, Michael Tittle, Jake Martinez, Jeff Brown, and Jackson Glines are taking charge and stepping up as team leaders. They know what to expect from last year, and are helping the incoming freshmen adjust and keep each other motivated.

Although this is his first year playing for the Rams, pitcher Christian Belleque, is a major asset to his team as well. He has two years of experience playing baseball at California State University, Fresno.

“Everything is coming together at the right time, and we’re pitching pretty well too. We are just so deep,” said Belleque.

Returning for another year to play baseball for the Rams is second baseman Michael Tittle. Tittle says  the team is taking practices seriously and perfecting even the littlest things to better themselves.

“The expectation for this year’s team is to put a ball on the wall (win a State Championship), but we need to take it one day at a time and not get complacent,” said Tittle.

Head coach, Ron Scott, instills the idea that “the key to success is team chemistry.”  The coaches motivate the team by not accepting anything less than a 100 percent effort. They see great importance in keeping the team’s chemistry alive.

“Our coaches are great because they  help us keep in mind to play for not only ourselves, but the guy beside us, and not let our teammates down,” said  freshman pitcher, Holden Berger.

After being a couple of games away from playing in the final four last year, the Rams are using the memory as a drive to work day in and day out.

Karraker says their biggest challenge is playing together as a team and showing up to practice wholeheartedly. As a team leader, Karraker believes it’s essential to put 110 percent into practices.

“There’s a difference between showing up to practice and actually being there,” Karraker said.

This year’s team lost a decent amount of strong players from last year such as Bryce Barger and Drew Merlo. However, there still remains well-rounded returning players and freshman.

“There’s a great amount of potential we can tap into. All we need to do is work hard and keep in mind it’s not all about winning, but winning as a team. It’s possible,” said Karraker.

The Rams play Sacramento City College on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. Both games will be held in Sacramento.