Regardless of their age or how long they’ve been playing together, Canes baseball players know the standard. Members of the Canes West 10U team have been suiting up together since they were seven years old and have developed friendships that go beyond the baseball field. Meanwhile, members of the Canes National 17U team, hailing from every corner of the country, just met this week. On the field, none of this matters as long as they operate as a unit and uphold the Canes Baseball standard.

Canes National head coach Jeff Petty said that the standard is putting good, fundamental baseball on the field. The organization has dozens of teams at every level across the country, all performing at a high level and producing talent that reaches the collegiate and professional ranks. Their goal is to teach players to pay attention to small details starting at a young age so that they can eventually make it to the next level.

“With 17U, we took a bus this morning three hours before game time, went off site and took batting practice on the field,” he said. “[We] took ground balls and got a proper stretch, and I think we’re trying to implement those things at the young age groups, too.”

Teaching these concepts early not only helps the athletes see immediate success, but down the road as they progress through their baseball careers as well. What they do off the field is just as important, though.

“We’re purposely trying to put these guys in positions where they gel and become a team off the field, because [when] we become a team off the field, we’re gonna fight together on the field,” Petty said. “Chemistry is vital, especially when you’re talking about the travel space.”

Canes West 10U coach D.J. Murray said because his players are all from the same area, they play together all year and spend time together off the field, which creates a culture that leads to on-field success. When the team is up to bat, the dugout is alive as players loudly cheer for their teammates at the plate. The coaching staff says they’re a resilient and connected group.

“They’ve really bought into the brand and being a member of this team,” Murray said.

The kids are proud to represent the Canes, often wearing their gear to school, he said, and their parents have bought in as well. In his fifth year at the Futures Invitational, Murray said he’s been able to prepare the players and parents for this environment. They’ve prepared for everything from the weather to how they conduct themselves in the stands. They’ve prepared to uphold the Canes standard wherever they go.