DEMOPOLIS &8212; members of the Demopolis High School baseball team got their first glimpse of incoming baseball coach Ben Ramer at a 6 p.m. meeting in the high school auditorium yesterday.

Ramer comes to the school after eight years as the baseball coach for Andalusia High School. While at the school, his first coaching position after graduating from Auburn University with a double major in biology and history, he lead the team to eight consecutive playoff appearances, five area championships and three area runner ups.

Causey told players and parents at the meeting that athletes under Ramer would finish each season with the coach better players and better people. He said Ramer takes a personal interest in players, building character.

Ramer, himself, stress the importance of character to the team and parents present at the meeting during his address. He said members of the team will be expected to represent both the team and the community in the highest light.

Ramer said he will demand good performance grade-wise and behavior-wise of his athletes. Ramer said players face other demands than normal students for their actions during the season.

Ramer told athletes if he finds beyond a shadow that any player is using drugs or alcohol they will be removed form the team. He went on to stress to players and parents that if they need his help on any issue outside of the realm of baseball that he would do his best to help in any situation.

On the field, he said he will expect students to put in time and effort outside of the regular season in order to put themselves in the best position during play. He said he expects commitment and hard work from players, and that the team shouldn&8217;t be treated as a three-month ordeal to put to the side once each season has culminated.

Ramer said he was reluctant to leave Andalusia because he thought it was a great job, but he felt Demopolis was a great job as well. He said the reputation of the school&8217;s team helped in the decision to move.