Minneapolis Southwest Lakers prepare for the upcoming baseball season
April 17, 2023
Head Coach Alex Case, Assistant Coach Joe Hetland, and Team Captain Andrew Fazio spoke to The Navigator about the upcoming season before the much anticipated spring break training trip to Florida.
Head Coach Alex Case
Q: What are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
A: I am very excited to be coaching SW baseball this season! Expectations are high as we are defending nine consecutive years as league champs–I am looking forward to the challenge of keeping the tradition going!
Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
A: I am looking forward to baseball! I love baseball, playing, coaching, baseball cards, Twins games, all things baseball. With coaching I get to share my love of the game, competition, and teamwork.
Q: Tell me about the upcoming Florida trip.
A: Yes, Florida is a wonderful getaway as we are guaranteed baseball weather. Florida offers warmth and sunshine, ideal baseball weather. Unfortunately, Minnesota spring does not have traditional baseball weather. The trip offers the team a chance to bond while improving our game; it’s a great opportunity that is coming soon!
Assistant Coach Joe Hetland
Q: What are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
A: I think it’s an exciting season. We have a bunch of open spots with a large senior class last year as well as a new head coach at the helm.
Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
A: The same thing I look forward to every season – working hard to give our team the best chance to improve their skills on the field, win the city, and surprise some people in our section.
Q: What are the goals for the season?
A: Maintaining our record would be really tough but I’m optimistic. I’m always focused on winning the city first and foremost. I would love to go further in sections.
Team Captain Andrew Fazio
Q: What are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
A: I’m excited for this season because this team has talent in every aspect of the game, and we have a new coach who is just as excited to be around baseball as the players are.
Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
A: I look forward to spending time with the team inside and outside of practice and making the most of my senior season. We have a devoted group of guys that have a chance to make a run in sections.
Q: How do you feel about taking on a leadership role this year?
A: To me, everyone on the team is as much of a leader as I am. We compete together, practice together, and improve together. It’s a collective effort to keep everyone organized as a team.