Jemicy has introduced a new sport to the athletic program — baseball. Jemicy now plays on the diamond after a 9-year attempt to create a team, according to coach and Assistant Head of the Upper School, Mr. Mark Palmerino. The team plays in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) C Conference.
Jemicy needed more boys and higher enrollment to create this new baseball team, and with a larger enrollment in the 9th and 10th grade, the team finally was created for the 2021 season.
Palmerino says that improvement is the key to a successful season.
“Our goal is really just to get better each and every day. We want to see improvement every single day that we step out on the field for practice and in games. So far we have done that. The guys have improved dramatically from the first practice to where we are today. I just want to continue to see that growth, as we move forward in the season. I think if we continue to get better every day, that cohesiveness of the team is going to make us a team to reckon with, not only at the end of this year, but in the future.”
When asked who the leaders of the team are, Mr. Palmerino pointed to the team’s youth but the role of a senior in particular.
“There’s a large group of freshmen that make up the team, and we are a young team altogether. Our one lone senior, Azariah Bozzell, has really been the role model for the team. He’s been the guy that really sparks us. He comes to practice everyday. He is definitely one that I think we are all looking towards and leaning on.”
Freshman have been thrust into leadership roles as well.
“Behind the dish, Alex Kim has really shown a lot, being our lone catcher as a freshman. He has taken on a lot of responsibilities. Just naturally as the catcher, you are the leader of the infield and defense. Alex has really stepped up defensively and offensively,” said Palmerino.
According to Palmerino, the youth of his players and the program is a challenge.
“We are playing varsity teams. With us being predominantly 9th and 10th graders, that presents a challenge in itself. It comes with not having enough experience as well. We are going up against teams with 4 or 5 years of experience as a varsity squad, as we are just starting off fresh.”
When asked about other challenges, second baseman and freshman Brendan Smith said that since the team is young and new that the leadership from the older players helps others. Smith is glad that the team, despite being young, is building relationships together.
The Moose already pulled out its first ever victory in a 17-14 win against St. Francis.
“I’m ready for a rematch with Concordia Prep because I want to show them how we’ve improved,” said Smith. Prep was the program’s first ever game in which they lost 20-5. improvement.
The team has started off the season now with a 1-4 record, but the Moose have 8 games left, with two against both Key and Chapelgate Christian. Look out for the Jemicy Moose this 2021 MIAA Varsity Baseball season.
MOOSE PRINTS 
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