After two years of not having a baseball team, Marco Island Academy baseball has finally returned, making this a new and exciting season. The start of the season brings new energy, excitement, and anticipation for the new players to take the field for the first time since MIA has had a team. Since the school could not field a team, any student-athlete who wanted to play baseball had the opportunity to play for another school in the area. For some of the underclassmen, this is their first time wearing an MIA uniform, making this even more meaningful. 

So far, the Manta Rays have entered this season with six games lined up. Their schedule is not finalized just yet, and there will be more games added. The scheduled games will test the team’s skills and teamwork, while allowing them to get better with every match. With every game played, the team is focused on more than just winning games. 

Because this is the first time in two years MIA has had a team, they are starting fresh. The coaches have focused on improving the team not only on the field, but off of the field as well. Practices are held at Eagle Lakes and Tommie Barfield, and the team focuses not only on their skills, but also on all players supporting each other. Rather than focusing on wins and losses, the team is focused on laying a solid foundation for years to come. 

As the season is underway, the Manta Rays baseball team is looking forward to the competition, getting better, and representing Marco Island Academy. With six games lined up as of now and more to come, the team is ready to play and win games. This season is not only about playing, it is about rebuilding. Rebuilding a program that people have worked so hard for in the past. This season is about creating a lasting legacy for the Manta Rays baseball team.