Breanna Isbell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Saguaro High School for AZPreps365.com

Saguaro High School’s varsity baseball team has established itself as one of Arizona’s elite high school baseball programs.

Competing in the 4A Desert Sky Region, the boys wrapped up their 2019 season with a 19-13 overall record. Finishing in their region as the seventh seed, the boys earned a first-round bye in the state playoffs, which ended with an extra-inning loss in the quarterfinals. 

The Sabercats not only pride themselves as being student leaders, but also as “men of character.” Under the direction of seven-year head coach Joseph Muecke, he has made it his mission to coach a group of men to be more than just athletes, but leaders on and off the field. 

Muecke requires each player and coach to complete community service hours, most of which take place at the Miracle League of Arizona, a nonprofit organization that allows children with disabilities and special needs to enjoy the game of baseball. He wants to positively impact the culture of this program and to bring attention to the players’ fortunes of having the opportunity to play the game they love.

Muecke is eager to lead his tight-knit team to a successful season with several top-returning players, including seniors Joel Rubin (pitcher and outfielder), Todd Johnson (pitcher and infielder), Joey Harmon (infielder), and Kiilu Davis (catcher), and junior, Ty Nelson (pitcher and outfielder). 

Muecke was faced with filling the holes for his previous graduate senior class of 13. Some of these new additions to the team include sophomores Thomas Dechesaro (infielder, catcher, and pitcher), Miles Crutchley (infielder), and Javen Jacobs (outfielder and pitcher), and juniors Cole Stocks (outfielder, infielder, and pitcher) and Frankie Digregorio (catcher, pitcher and infielder).

“We are young, hungry and love to compete," Muecke said. "We are not afraid to make mistakes. We will be adjusting to our mistakes and how quickly we can close the gaps. We are going to stay competitive until region play and hopefully our sophomores will be playing like juniors and our juniors playing like our seniors."

While working closely with each group of varsity baseball teams for well over a decade, Saguaro athletic trainer Nickie May has watched the evolution of this team gradually progress each and every year. However, within the last seven years, there has been an even larger leap in progression on the field and within the players. May says Muecke is the reason for it. 

“This team is special because of their leader," May said. "This is my 12th year as Saguaro's head athletic trainer, and Joe has been a constant positive in that program the entire time in one role or another. It was when he took over as head coach that I noticed the biggest impact on our players. He sets high standards for their performance and their character off the field, and this team in particular has a very high level of buy-in."

Muecke was named 4A-6A AIA Head Coach of the Year in 2019.

The Sabercats kicked off their season at home Wednesday against the Cactus Shadows Falcons.

“My expectations for this year and every year is to win the region and play for a state title,” said Brandon Johnston, Saguaro’s athletic director.