SOFTBALL HAS A WAY OF REVEALING ITS LEADERS IN THE SILENT MOMENTS — BETWEEN PITCHES, DURING MOUND VISITS, AND IN THE SPACES WHERE MOMENTUM CAN SLIP. WITHIN THE ALIEF TAYLOR PROGRAM, THAT RESPONSIBILITY OFTEN SETTLES BEHIND THE PLATE, WHERE MCKENZIE FIELDS SERVES AS BOTH ANCHOR AND VOICE.
The senior catcher enters her final spring as a cornerstone and collegiate signee, bringing a presence sculpted by accountability and years of experience. Recently signed to Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, she embodies the type of leadership the Lions will lean on as they navigate a challenging district slate under new head coach Chris Maple.
Growing up as the youngest of four sisters, the path in the sport almost felt predetermined for Fields.
“Watching my older sisters play definitely had an influence on me,” Fields said. “It felt natural to follow in their footsteps — even being a catcher, just like they were. From there, I’ve just picked up a drive to play collegiately, which has pushed me to this point.”
That drive now carries added weight for a Taylor roster still searching for consistency within a demanding district. The Lions finished fifth in the standings last spring, but the arrival of Maple has injected optimism into the offseason — and Fields is positioned at the center of that transition.
Nowhere is her impact felt more than at home base, a role she embraces with both authority and accountability.
“You really have to own the field when you’re in that spot,” Fields said. “That’s your plate. That’s your defense. That’s your responsibility. Sometimes, there will just be bad games. But the loudest voice on the field still needs to come from the catcher, and that energy has to be kept up so the team doesn’t stay down.”
That mindset — vocal, resilient, and team-first — mirrors what initially drew Fields to Oakwood. When the opportunity presented itself, the decision came easily.
“I’ve always been drawn to a future in Alabama for some reason,” she said. “So once they reached out to me, I didn’t hesitate. The softball team is very close-knit and resembles a family, which is something I’m most passionate about and really look forward to.”
As her high school career approaches its final chapter, Fields’ focus remains rooted in the present. Experience has taught her that nothing is guaranteed, but belief can still move a program forward.
“The goal is to go out with a bang,” Fields said. “There’s usually plenty to strive for early on in the season, so I intend to make it count. Ideally, the team collectively finds a way to make it work and, hopefully, reach the playoffs.”
For Taylor, that pursuit begins with a catcher who understands the weight of every pitch — and the power of her voice behind it.
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FRIEND GROUP — ON THE BASEBALL DIAMOND.
The Hastings senior pitcher enters his final season with three years of varsity experience and is woven deeply into the fabric of the Bears’ program.
Born in Cuba, having lived in Mexico, and then moving to the United States during elementary school, Calderon’s journey has been defined by resilience, adaptation, and belief.
“Erick is a delight to be around,” head coach Andres Torres said. “He’s like an assistant coach on the field and in the dugout. He’s a motivator, a cheerleader — just a great teammate.”
Calderon didn’t discover baseball until his freshman year of high school, a late start by most standards.
“I was in football, and it just wasn’t for me,” Calderon said. “I would stay after practice and watch the baseball team. I talked to my football coach, and he encouraged me to give baseball a try. That switch changed my life.”
Since then, Calderon has worked tirelessly to develop on the mound, making significant strides in both velocity and command.
“When I’m pitching, I mind — it’s just me and my catcher,” he sa s on the next pitch. I have a goldfish mentality. “I forget what happened a pitch ago and lock into what’s happening now. That’s my strength.”
Through every transition and challenge, one constant has remained — his mother, Elisa.
“She’s my everything,” Calderon said. “It’s just been me and her from the beginning. Adapting to American life hasn’t always been easy, but we work through it together. We lean on each other.”
He leans just as heavily on his teammates.
“My team is my family,” he said. “When I’m going through something, they’re there for me. I can tell them anything. Coach Torres is more than a coach — he’s a huge influence in my life. He might not even know how much.”
So when Calderon toes the rubber this season, he’s pitching for more than wins or statistics.
He’s throwing for his family, his teammates, and the journey that brought him here — for his familia.
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