On March 24, Niles North’s varsity baseball departed for Orlando, Florida to participate in ESPN Wide World of Sports’ annual spring training for high school teams.

“It was fun being able to visit there again,” senior Joe Nottoli said. “Especially with the bad weather back home this year. It was fun to get on the fields and play in the great Florida weather.”

The team faced six others from Pennsylvania and New York. Four games were played by North’s varsity team, and the rest by junior varsity. Varsity went 3-1, and junior varsity, 0-2.

“I feel like our team did a great job in the games we played out there, considering we only had 2 games here in Chicago before,” junior Logan Kost said. “Our first game was a tough loss but i give credit to everyone on our team. We played hard and should have came out with the Win, but its all apart of the game. I think we all played great and kept a positive attitude overall throughout the trip.”

Before leaving for Florida the team faced schools Northside Prep, and Schurz. Both teams outside of the Central Suburban League conference. The Vikings defeated Northside Prep 4-2, and slaughtered Schurz 15-0 in the fifth inning.

In since returning home, the Vikings have already had three games.

On Monday, the team took on Wheeling and won 3-0. Elliot Mark lead the team to victory offensively with two extra base hits. The team has 18 in total thus far.

On Wednesday, Rolling Meadows came out to compete and tied the Vikings 1-1.

On Saturday, the Vikings were defeated by Von Stuben, 12-9.

The team’s record is currently 6-2-1.

“I think this is going to be a great season. We have a lot of good players who are talented and hard working, and are going to make this a good year,” head coach Ed Toledo said.

Come out this Tuesday, April 9, to see the Vikings take on the Evanston Wildkits at 4:30.

To check out the full schedule, click the link below.

Varsity Baseball Full Schedule 2013

Go Vikings!