When water temperature reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the steam is powerful enough to propel a train locomotive.

The Hoover boys baseball team wants to be as powerful as a locomotive and the 212 degrees on the backs of their T-shirts symbolize their goal for the season.

“The idea is that if we play at 212 degrees—our maximum level of effort—we’re going to be a pretty hard team to beat,” Coach Jeff Hite said. “It’s motivation to get us to play at the highest level we can every day.”

So far, the season has been a tough one for the team with close games and heartbreaking last-inning losses. Because of Federal League losses, senior Andrew Spehar said the team’s goal has changed from winning the Federal League to using the last weeks of the season in preparation for tournament play.

Despite these setbacks, Hite and Spehar still see their team as both talented and competitive. Spehar said the team’s attitude is important to their success.

“I think a lot rests on the mentality of the guys on the team,” Spehar said. “I’ve played with a lot of these guys since middle school and we were never the biggest and best team but we were always a team that earned a reputation as fighters and winners.”

Hite said it is important that the team play to the full extent of their talent, especially in the upcoming games.

“We have to compete at our level every game. If we don’t at tournament time, [the season] comes to a crashing halt,” Hite said.

Junior Drew Desrosiers said playing at their level takes the mental strength the team has shown this year.

“We go out there with a mentality that we want to win. That starts with the seniors,” Desrosiers said.

Spehar agreed that the seniors have done a good job leading the team this year and said he enjoys helping the younger players.

“It’s nice to know I can help the younger guys and give them tips if need be, but really, I don’t feel like a ‘senior’ to these guys–and I like it that way. I have some more experience, yes, but we’re all on the same level,” Spehar said. “I’m not the most outspoken person so I like to lead by example, showing the guys that we always need to hustle but the other seniors like James Georgiades have really done a great job leading the entire team.”

The seniors have had to lead the team through tough losses and get the players back on track toward post-season success. Spehar said the team has tried to move past the losses.

“Losses like that are heartbreakers; there’s no other way to describe them,” Spehar said. “But it’s important to try and take the good from them and come back the next day with a clean slate. There’s no time to feel sorry for yourself in the Federal League.”