Holly Sow/Arizona Silver Belt Tiger baseball coaches observe the team close up during a practice before next week’s season opener.

GLOBE — The 3A state baseball champions have returned to the field to gear up for the 2010 season. Coach David Lopez is returning to coach the team for another season.

Last year, Lopez’s team was seeded No. 3 going into the 3A state playoffs. They advanced to the finals, where they defeated No. 1 seeded Wickenburg 4-2. Globe’s baseball teams have made it to the playoffs every year since 2005.

Returning this year are six players from last year’s championship team: Zach Powell, Billy Kidd, Josh Cota, Kris Edwards, Zach Salcido, and Zach Zamora. Three of the returnees were starters last season (Powell, Kidd, and Cota). Coach Lopez explained that, “Although we have six returning players, only three of them have significant varsity experience.”

Lopez looks forward to observing the growth of his team this season, and hopes that the six players returning from last year can step up and provide the necessary leadership for the team to reach its full potential.

The Tigers will play their first home game on March 9 at 4 p.m. against Florence.