For many people February is the month of love: the days get a little longer, the weather gets a little warmer and the sun shines a little brighter. For others, February marks something more special: the start of baseball.

Here in Sonoma County, the return of SRJC Bear Cub baseball is well under way and there are high hopes for a very successful and productive season.

Last year, Bear Cub baseball did not live up to the high expectations set by one of the top-rated athletic Junior College programs. In 2011, the team finished with an 11–10 conference record and 20-15 overall. The Bear Cubs tied Consumes River for fourth place in the Big 8 conference. The team made the post-season, but was eliminated in the first game by Consumes by a score of 2-1.

Last season’s finish was ultimately a failure in the standings, considering the talent the Bear Cubs possessed, but it was a success when looking at the players who transfered to four-year schools. Outfielder Jayce Ray, who finished second in the league MVP voting, is headed to the University of Washington on a four-year scholarship and pitcher Jonathan Flynn will play for the University of Hawaii.

Despite losing a talented chunk of the team, the 2012 Bear Cubs are stocked full of new talent. Head coach Damon Niedlinger successfully recruited from the Sonoma County talent pool, bringing in Cardinal Newman’s NBL player of the year Jason Alexander to anchor the pitching rotation. Rancho Cotati’s All Leaguer’s infielder Brent Gillespie and pitcher Tyler Sanders are also notable additions.

To start the 2012 season the Bear Cubs are 5-0, led by solid hitting infielders Nick Rodda (.435 batting average), Brandon Baranzini (.429) and pitchers Bryan Webster (2-0) and Jason Alexander (0.00 earned run average).

But to have a successful season and a run at a title, the team must rely on talented returning players and on-the-field leadership to execute every play and pitch to perfection. No one is going to hand the Bear Cubs a win. With strong recruiting teams like Diablo Valley and State Champions San Joaquin Delta, the Bear Cubs have to play at a high level all season long. The team needs to play strong in conference games, field every ground ball, catch every pop fly and execute on offense. The little things matter: sacrifice bunting, stealing bases, and clutch hitting will take the Bear Cubs to the promised land.

The season is still early and there’s a lot a games to be played, but fans, players and coaches should be very excited to see what happens with Bear Cubs baseball.