Jose Maysonet has
the need to succeed

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Abraham Lincoln High School’s baseball team has had better years.
The Railsplitters just finished their season with a 2-13 record. They lost their games by an average of 12 runs. The season came to an end with seven straight losses.
So what kept them going every week?
"Love for the game," said first baseman Jose Maysonet. "We all love getting out there and playing baseball."
Although the Railsplitters have closed a tough season, they never gave up on the field. Players like Maysonet insist that the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story.
"It’s pretty tough . . . we’re all young and taking a good beating this year," said Maysonet. "But we’re continuing to work hard and practice. We’re doing the best we can. We do need more experience, and that’ll happen in time."
The Railsplitters had eight underclassmen this year, including two freshmen, which left the only two seniors — Matt Stahl and Maysonet — with a lot of responsibility.
"I love that leadership role," said Maysonet, who served as team captain. "I like telling them what to do, getting them in shape and trying to help them become better players.
"By the time I got to varsity, I was very athletic," he continued. "But I worked very hard as an underclassman to become better. And I want to help these young guys do the same."
Despite their lack of experience, says coach John Larsen, the younger members of the Lincoln squad have the determination and skill to improve their game.
"We have a very young team, but I’m excited to see these kids grow into talented ballplayers," Larsen said. "The enthusiasm is there. These guys are ready to play hard."
Inexperience was just one challenge. The Railsplitters also had to get comfortable on a different field this season — construction on their own field forced Lincoln to play its home games at Max Myers Field, at Hellerman and Eastwood streets.
"We’re basically playing an away schedule the entire year," said Larsen. "We’re practicing anywhere we can. But the team is loving the creativity. They have a great attitude."
Yes, the Railsplitters have plenty of attitude. Despite their discouraging record, the Lincoln athletes tried to take the field each time believing that better times were just ahead.
"If you’re not going to play your best, what is the point of showing up?" said Maysonet. "I think the team gets along and works well together."
Maysonet moved up to varsity as a junior and instantly became a key player on the field. In addition to his first-base duties, the versatile player spent time playing the outfield and third base.
"I love everything about the game," said Maysonet. "And when I’m not playing baseball, I’m watching baseball. It’s my passion."
The senior hopes to attend either Arcadia University or Drexel University in the fall. He’d like to study sports management.
"I want to be a sports broadcaster," he said. "Baseball is something I’ve always enjoyed and want to do for a long time." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com