Season Opener: Baseballs Back at The Rex with the 2025 Conch Team

Picture this: A weekend in Key West, where the crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd signal the start of something special. We're thrilled to kick off Season Five of the Bring Joy Podcast by capturing the essence of baseball in all its glory. From unexpected comebacks to the contagious energy of the packed bleachers, we've got stories that bring America's favorite pastime to life. Join us as we recount the unforgettable opening weekend for the 2025 Conch Team, where drama unfolded like a blockbuster movie.

This episode is a treasure trove for baseball aficionados and lovers of good storytelling alike. We introduce you to standout players like Sammy Holland, Roman Garcia, and the exciting freshman sensation Kade Maltz, whose performances left fans buzzing with excitement. Hear about the incredible chemistry and new talents emerging in the Conch roster, including senior pitchers and the catcher Jackie Niles. Whether it's a perfectly timed squeeze bunt or a game-winning triple, these moments promise to ignite your passion for the game. So, grab a seat and get ready to relive the thrilling highlights of a team that feels destined for greatness.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:05

thanks for tuning in to the bring joy podcast. I'm kicking off season five and I'm excited to announce this season is all about baseball, talking big leagues to little leagues, yankees to the conks and everything in between. I'll share my joy for the game with you through storytelling and conversation. Whether you're a fan of baseball or good storytelling, trust me you'll be entertained and each episode will bring a little joy to your day. So sit back and relax. Let's do this thing.

Speaker 1: 0:37

The opening weekend of baseball in Key West could not have been any better if it was scripted. In fact, it reminded me of the last home game at the Rex in 2024, when that team mounted a comeback for the ages that extended our playoff run. In that game, our boys scored three in the seventh to tie it and walk it off in the eighth. After the game, felix Ong, who is now on the roster of the powerhouse Florida Gators, told his dad the comeback was just like the movies. The 2025 Conk Team must have the script for the sequel.

Speaker 1: 1:10

The preseason classic had the young Conk Team playing host to the state-ranked Jupiter Warriors. The Warriors are stacked with talented seniors headed to D1 programs in the fall. Early reports indicated our young Conk Team would have an uphill battle competing. Well, cue the comeback music, because our Conk boys ended up splitting the series, winning game two in a dramatic walk-off fashion. And had it not been for the four errors in game one, we would have swept the series like David defeating Goliath People telling me all the time baseball's too boring. I've yet to be bored at a Conk baseball game. So pull up a bleacher seat next to me and reconsider. And speaking of bleachers, they were packed with Conk fans who came in hot rocking new team merch representing Conk pride and the fan cam spotted three-time state champ Sam Holland and Billy Warlow in the crowd. The preseason classic won't show up on the official scorebooks but believe me, it counted.

Speaker 1: 2:13

We all worked out some kinks getting ready for the regular season, but from my seat there were plenty of positives to give fans an exciting season ahead. Senior Sammy, the Scholar Holland our only lefty in the lineup looks great at the plate tagging balls. Right up the middle, roman Garcia picked up right where he left off his freshman year crushing the ball. If two-time state champ Tony Acosta hadn't already earned the nickname Crush, I might want to give it to Roman. But with a name and bat like Roman, no nicknames necessary. The Fanatics, better known as the K-Crew, noticed his new pink bat and will have one of our own in the stands to compliment the green one we wave for leadoff man Nelly Orne, who earned Player of the Year as a freshman and speaking of freshmen, welcome to the show, k-ms.

Speaker 1: 3:06

Somebody needs to mount a camera and send a field to record his spectacular catches so we can send them to ESPN. Talk about top 10 players of the day, people talking about of all time. Too soon We'll see, but if he can track them like that, they gotta hit him where he ain't. The Rook is just about as comfortable at the plate. He picked up three hits on the weekend, including the game-winning triple to the deepest part of the park, and the X-Factor, javi Perez, laid down a big league bunt on a squeeze that brought in a much-needed run and the fans to their feet. When he gets on base he's going to score. He knocks three on the weekend. The kid looks like he's having fun and will make good things happen, and I expect senior Caden Pichardo to find that pop and have a solid senior season. Senior pitchers Casey Casper, vinnie Moline and JC Lampus-Gormley will get stronger every inning, as will junior Christian Koppel. When it's time for relief, we'll hit him with the sophomore class Cruz Holmes or go to shortstop Augie Davila Bottom line. We have plenty of young arms to keep us in the ballgame and Jackie Niles will have his work cut out for him. In his first year of starting catching he showed good energy behind the plate and will need it catching those loose arms. He picked off a runner helping us get out of a tough inning and also delivered productive at-bats, knocking in four runs over the weekend.

Speaker 1: 4:36

New players, new positions and new uniforms. Yes, sir, the boys will take the field in all white on Friday night and on Saturday night We'll see them in a City Connect uniform, fire engine red pants and a gold jersey with Concrete Public stitched in red across the chest. I'm a sucker for nostalgia and miss those pinstripes, but the new uniforms look real cool and match this team's fiery personalities. If I counted right, we got 23 home games during the regular season, one of those being against Westminster Christian, who shares our top spot on the podium with 11 state titles, and we've got two away games worth making the trip to see. The first will be at St Thomas Aquinas, coached by former Conc player and 1984 state champ Joey Wardlow. Then we take the bus to play longtime rival Monsignor Pace. This season we will celebrate greatness and history. In his 22nd season, coach Ralph Henriquez will reach another milestone in his Hall of Fame career, surpassing 400 victories. The 1955, 95, and 2005 state championship teams will be honored during the championship weekend in March.

Speaker 1: 5:54

I can't wait to see all these Conk legends back at the Rex. Here's the thing. The strong showing in the preseason may have taken fans by surprise, but it's no accident. These boys have been working out year round in the gym, the cages and on the field. The coaching staff has this team prepared to compete at the highest level? It's Conk Baseball. Prepared to compete at the highest level. It's Conk Baseball. There's a quote I love that's been popping in my head since watching the two exciting preseason games when somebody shows you who they are, believe them. This Conk team showed me who they are A team with talent, confidence, heart and Conk pride. The 2025 season is going to be one for the books. I'll be there front and center, hanging K's with the crew and cheering for our boys on their journey to capture our 12th state championship. Before I wrap this up, let me give roll call honors to Antonio Knowles and Danny Galvin, former Colts players now playing pro baseball. The two pitchers spent their offseason working out and with the team to give back to the program that prepared them for their pro careers. Go show them what you got, gentlemen. Prepare them for their pro careers. Go show them what you got, gentlemen.

Speaker 1: 7:21

I'm Joy Nulish and I appreciate you tuning into my podcast. My purpose is to bring joy into my life and the lives of others. If you enjoyed this episode, drop a review, share and subscribe, because there's a lot of good stuff on tap. You can also check my website at joynulishcom. I go bring joy to the people in your world. Until next time, much love.