After a rough season last year, the boys baseball team is making changes to work their way up to the top.

Players have a hopeful outlook for this season and are looking to make playoffs to end a five-year drought since their loss in the WPIAL championship game back in 2014.

The players know they have to play for the team rather than play for themselves to see success, senior catcher Ryan Butler said.

“We’re playing as a team better,” Butler said. “Everything is looking good and we’re coming together for a better season.”

Junior shortstop Nicky Dolan is returning for his second season on varsity, which will significantly help the team, Butler said.

“Nicky Dolan is a great player and definitely someone to look out for,” Butler said.

Although the team lost a few seniors last year, the holes have been filled by up-and-coming players.

It is Butler’s first season full-time on varsity, as he was dual rostered last year. It is also sophomore Fletcher Hindman’s first season on varsity.

The team also has pulled in freshman relief pitcher Jonathan Rauch to add to the skills of the varsity team.

“I want to get extra innings this year and help the team out,” Rauch said. “I also want to make playoffs and prove that I can perform at a higher level.”

Baldwin has many rivals, like Bethel Park, Canon Mac, and Peters Township, to look out for.

“We definitely have a lot of competition,” Butler said. “Bethel just came off of a section win, so it would be great to beat them.”