Fairfax uses its present to build for future
By Jason Mackey
Not that it's an enviable situation whatsoever, but Fairfax baseball coach Kevin Simonds, who's in his first year of work in the Rebels' dugout, won't be one to agonize over wins, losses and playoff scenarios in the weeks ahead. Instead, Simonds will continue to emphasize the same philosophy that he preached when the season began.“We'll fly around to anything we can,” said Simonds, whose team dropped to 3-11 overall, 1-6 in the Concorde District with a 12-6 loss at Herndon last Friday. “I don't care if we're winning 10-0, the game is tied or if you're down by 10 ... we're still going to sprint on and off the field.
“I think attitude is contagious and it builds – unfortunately – both positively and negatively, but as long as you're constantly working your butt off and flying around to get things done, good things will happen.”
Although his Rebels have been outscored by an average of 4.1 runs per game, Simonds believes that his team hasn't been out of contention for more than a few innings at a time – a feat that's attributable to a talented group of seniors.
At the head of that senior class is right-handed pitcher and infielder Carlos Perez, who is hitting .357 this season with a team-high 12 RBIs and two home runs. On the mound, Perez carries a 4.48 ERA and has 19 strikeouts in 25 innings of work.
“[Perez] is definitely the physical leader of our team,” said Simonds, whose team will host Chantilly on Friday. “He's been that person that any coach would want on their team.”