The Gilbert Tigers are hungry for the season to start, eager to continue the program's tradition and excellence.

As the team prepares for its upcoming 2019 season, the Tigers will take on new challenges competing at a different level this year. Gilbert will be battling in the 5A conference, opposed to playing in the 6A conference.

 “I’m actually excited about our whole schedule, especially because we are in 5A this year,” head coach Matt Gutierrez said. “We’re playing a lot of teams we haven’t played before, so we’ll be getting to see some new faces, new coaches and that will be exciting.”

The Gilbert Tigers concluded the 2018 season with a record of 11-18 and 3-7 in their section.

While focusing on what to expect this season, it is a priority that these boys take care of the fundamentals on the field. The baseball culture at Gilbert starts with leading by example.

 “If you want these kids to work hard, you have to work hard,” Gutierrez said. “The little things do matter.”

This has always been a philosophy for Gutierrez in past seasons.

As this team is adjusting and preparing to compete in the 5A confernce, there are elements that the team would like to improve on. Specifically, on offense.

 “Being able to get on base, manufacture runs or have a big inning,” Gutierrez said. “That’s the one thing that’s hurt us the most, is our lack of offense.”

Senior first baseman and catcher Eli Young also has his mind focused on developing into a better offensive player for his team.

“This season I want to focus on hitting more, making more contact instead of strikeouts,” Young said. “I feel really good in the cage.”

Senior catcher Justin Gottardi has made it his priority this upcoming season to get two hits per game, no passed balls, and to throw runners out of the game.

Gottardi has been with the Tigers since his junior year. He transferred to Gilbert High School from James Logan High school in Union City, Calif.

As they attempt to form a better offense, the Tigers have been able to maintain a strong defense and pitching system throughout their preparation during the spring and fall practices.

The Tigers' fielding percentage in the 2018 season was .885, coming up very close to the Highland Hawks, who had a .918 fielding percentage in the 6A central section.

Now, the Tigers await their first game against Nogales at home on Feb. 21 at 3:45 p.m.