“Academics was a huge part of my decision. I plan to go into engineering post graduate, and Jewell has great academics. In terms of baseball I loved the team of guys. They are all really close, and the coaches were awesome, ” he said.

Morehouse has faced not only rigorous academics here at Jewell but endured the many challenges of Division II baseball.

“The most difficult thing about Cardinal baseball is definitely the running. I was surprised when I came here because the conditioning was nothing like I’d expected,” he said.

Some of his personal goals involve the execution of throwing strikes and avoiding walking players. His calm and collected attitude and perseverance allow him to stay focused. He believes that every player’s role is important and identifies with the team hallmark of hustle.

“I think it’s really cool that everyone is treated equally in the sense that no one can get away with not hustling. It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior. You’re expected to hustle as much as, say, a freshman,” Morehouse said.

Morehouse discussed the one thing that ultimately defines Jewell Baseball.

“The guys and their commitment and the close knit community that the team has is really what makes Jewell Baseball authentic. Without that I don’t think that we would have the success that we had in the spring season or will have for this upcoming fall season,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Nevada Preps

“We revel in preparation,” says Mike Stockton, the head baseball coach.

Under Stockton’s leadership, old and new players alike have been practicing since the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. Practice schedules for baseball and softball run the longest out of all of Jewell’s sports teams, but the spring season makes for a worthy payoff.

Last year, the Jewell team had a 32-22 record, and it’s aiming ever higher with the new season. While its primary goal is to compete in a championship, Stockton promises that the team’s focus will always center on community and hard work, both on and off the court.

“Individual recognition is going to come from team accomplishment,” says Stockton.

For these reasons, all players are seen as “players to watch” with equal potential. This welcoming environment not only brings loyal alumni to the games, but has also earned the team a promising assortment of first-years. This year’s team is made up of more new members than typical of Jewell’s baseball history and, as such, could bring a fresh and unpredictable spin to this season. Some, as Stockton proudly states, could be future Major League Baseball draft picks.

However, the past few years have marked a new path for Jewell baseball for more reasons than one. With the Royals’ World Series victory in 2015, baseball culture has swept throughout Kansas City, even trickling down to its college teams. This translates to more people striking up conversations with Jewell players—and to more attendance at games.

The Cardinals play their first home game against Bemidji State University March 3, at 2 p.m.