Jeff Anstine Coeur D’Alene Year: Senior Sport: Baseball Position: Pitcher

It was Monday, five days before his next start, yet Coeur d’Alene pitcher Jeff Anstine was hustling to pick up whiffle balls and going full speed during a base-running drill.

The left-handed senior pitcher has a handful of personal goals, but none gets in the way of his primary objective: to see the Vikings win.

In fact, Anstine’s individual hopes will likely translate into winning for Coeur d’Alene. He wants to be the top pitcher this spring and during the American Legion season this summer.

It may be difficult for Anstine to top what he did last summer. After a mysterious spring in which he had just one decision (1-0), Anstine emerged last summer as the Coeur d’Alene Lumbermen’s ace with a 10-1 record, including a 2.35 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 77 1/3 innings.

As it turned out, a tender elbow last spring dropped Anstine from a rotation to which he’d never return.

Anstine spent more time during winter workouts getting his arm in shape this year, and he noticed a difference last week in his first start. He pitched four scoreless innings to pick up a win.

“The elbow was a little sore, but not as bad as last year,” the 6-foot Anstine said.

“He was real sharp against Mead,” CdA High and Lumbermen coach Paul Mather said.

“He’s been a good pitcher since he played for me as a freshman,” said Mather, the former freshman coach who taking over this spring for retired Ted Page. “He was throwing over 60 percent strikes then. What separates him from a lot of kids is, he is one of the hardest-working players. He’s also mature. A lot of kids don’t know themselves. He knows his capabilities and knows what he can’t do.”

What Anstine can’t do is overpower hitters. His fastball never exceeded 76 mph, but the pitch appeared faster when combined with his changeup and curve.

“The main thing is I’ve got pretty good control; without control I couldn’t be successful,” Anstine said. “I think my fastball will be faster this year. That will come with weight training and strength.”

Mather doesn’t hesitate when he calls Anstine the best left-handed pitcher in the state.

Anstine doesn’t much care if that’s true. He only hopes to have an opportunity to play in college.

“He’s got a future because he works hard,” Mather said.