The baseball diamond at Wesley Chapel District Park finally has players in action, now that the ockdown sanctions have subsided. A dozen high school baseball players have come to the park in recent weeks to practice hitting, fielding and pitching as they prepare to join their summer travel teams.

The ballplayers have played on such high school teams as Wiregrass Ranch, Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel and Wharton. They were disappointed about not getting to play high school ball this spring. Some of the seniors, however, are committed to playing at the next level.

“I was looking forward to it,” Wiregrass Ranch pitcher Chase Wills said of his senior season, who signed with Miami Dade College. “Summer tournaments are going to start up soon and we’re getting ready.”

Outfielder Dillon Lewis, a Wiregrass Ranch junior, also welcomed the chance to at least get in some baseball this summer. He knows college scouts attend travel games.

“I’m happy that summer ball’s approaching, so we can get in front of the scouts,” Lewis said.

The players admitted to being rusty after a few months off the field.

“I’m out here trying to figure out my swing again,” Wharton catcher Frank Micallef said. “It’s tough to get back into the game.”

The Menendez brothers, Anthony and Max who play for Cypress Creek, were eager to take their cuts in the batter’s box. Like the others, they appreciated being able to hit off live pitching once again.