In baseball, the Ballard Beavers will field a team of veteran players as they aim for a spot in the KingCo playoffs after coming up short by one game last year.

Head Coach Kevin Miller says there are many players on the team who have been around long enough to know the system. One of the team leaders is Lars Phillips, a standout first baseman. "The team is looking pretty good. We have 11 seniors, seven returning senior starters," said Phillips.

Miller is impressed with Phillips defense and describes him as a "vacuum" at first base. Phillips has been hitting .500 in pre-season games.

Daryle McIntyre is the team's number one pitcher. Other top players include Pat Murray at catcher, Rashad Childs at centerfield and shortstop Sean Day. Shawn Oughton is another good hitter.

"We have a lot of guys. We will be well rounded," said Miller.

Phillips says the team is deep and many bench players could be starters.

Miller said there are junior varsity players who could see playing time on varsity later in the season if the team is not in contention for the playoffs.

This is Ballard's best team in his four years as a Beaver said Day. "We could be competitive once we reach our full potential," he said.

"I try to get these guys to play over their head. They work hard, they have fire in their belly," said Miller.

The Beavers will need that fire in the talent filled KingCo League. Woodinville, Lake Washington and Skyline are all tough teams.

City rival Garfield has the top pitcher in the state in Jeremy Zinc. Redmond has five players signed to Division 1 scholarships.

Miller says all across the board, Ballard opponents are solid and there are no "gimme" wins.

It will be a team effort for Ballard. "There's no key individual. There's a bunch of players out to compete," said Day.

Miller says the team has to play smart, come ready to play everyday and play hard, while bringing a consistent effort.

Ballard plays at Skyline on April 5 and against Redmond at Soundview Park on April 7. Games begin at 3:45 p.m.