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

As a chilly western wind washed across the field, the echoes of Men at Work and Steppenwolf graced the ears of Saguaro players and coaches as they prepared for batting practice.

Assistant coach Ricky Gonzales pumps the '80s tunes not just for their timeless quality, but to instill tranquility and focus in his players. 

“Music is like hitting,” Gonzales said. “You’ve got to speed it up sometimes, slow it down, but it's always about staying in rhythm.”

Rhythm is a cornerstone attribute of Saguaro’s coaching mentality—and an important reason why the Sabercats boast one of the best lineups in the state. 

Saguaro first baseman Kyle Miiller (center) takes swings in on-field batting practice.

Saguaro (6-3 overall, 2-1 Desert Sky Region) has long been recognized for their offensive success, backed up by a team batting average of .365 in 2024 and a .328 average over the last five years. 

Fittingly, the player’s concentration in practice translates to game action, incorporating the rhythms into calm and collected approaches at the plate. 

A typical practice for Saguaro doesn’t stray from most; players begin with warmups and throwing, infielders and outfielders split up for defensive and offensive reps and they all reunite to take batting practice on the field to close things out.

What sets Saguaro apart from other schools, however, is the constructive atmosphere the coaches provide for their players. 

When a Saguaro player whiffs on a front toss in the cage, Gonzales does more than just tell him to keep his hands inside the ball. Instead, he gets up from his bucket, walks up to the player and starts a conversation.

“How’s your day going?” Gonzales will ask as he attempts to relax his player. After a minute or so of friendly small talk, Gonzales goes back to tossing baseballs to a now confident hitter. 

The results speak for themselves, as typically the next three to four balls are smacked on a line to the back of the cage, and the hitter walks out with a smile on his face. 

“We just keep doing what we’re doing, and it shows up on the field during game day,” Gonzales said. 

While practices usually carry a sense of peace, head coach Joe Muecke makes sure to challenge his players as well. 

“Hard practices make for easy games,” Muecke said. “You want to keep a couple wrinkles in there that keep challenging us when we need to execute.”

Assistant coach Ricky Gonzales (center) watches his players take batting practice

Behind home plate, a pitching machine fires foam balls at the backstop in a bunting exercise at a recent practice that’s meant to make hitters uncomfortable and adapt to the velocity. 

Shortstop Zander Bratspis, a clubhouse leader for the Sabercats, stepped up to the plate and missed the first four. But after some encouragement from assistant coach George Adams, Bratspis laid down textbook bunts up the first base line. 

Adams has coached Saguaro since when Gonzales donned the uniform as a player. During his time with the school he’s been impressed at how the players have responded to the level of mentorship Muecke and the coaching staff have offered.

“I think what has changed in 25 years is that the kids are more respectful of everything,” Adams said. “That’s all due to coach Muecke and the culture he has brought here and developed.”

Saguaro’s practice stands as a reset for the players as they prepare to take on Cactus Shadows on Wednesday and Crimson on Friday, matchups that will test the vigor of the team.