Strong Gsl Pitchers Have League Teams On Even Footing

Five North Side Greater Spokane League baseball teams are hoping improved team chemistry will help them improve on last year’s efforts.

But none of the coaches can predict for certain how they’ll finish.

Three of the teams, Mead, Shadle Park and Gonzaga Prep, made last year’s district playoffs.

“We’re going to give it our best shot again,” said Mead coach Dave Vaughn. “But I expect the league to be very tough.”

Shadle coach Ron Brooks echoed Vaughn’s sentiments.

“This sucker’s going to be really wide-open,” he said.

The reason is that pitching is stronger throughout the league, putting teams on even footing, including American Legion A state qualifier North Central.

But second-year Indian coach Scott Harmon expresses caution in assessing his own team.

“I was real optimistic last year and we got spanked,” he said.

Togetherness is Mead forte

Last year’s third-place league finisher graduated several seniors, but this season has intangibles going for it.

“This is the tightest bunch we’ve had in awhile,” said Vaughn. “They are all close-knit and a very hardworking group.”

Pitcher-shortstop Rob Elmer led the league in earned run average and had a 3-0 record. He’s joined by veterans Evan Thomas who was 4-1 until stalled by pneumonia, Tony Johnston and Grant Reeves.

Shortstop Brandon Muzatko is another of 12 seniors on the team.

Junior catcher Sam Hess is among the league’s best, backed by senior Travis Moser.

Reeves and junior Joe Chimienti are at first base, seniors Adam Strate and Joel Calkins at second, junior Bryan Schutz and senior John Hougham are at third.

Outfielders are Jonn Covell, Colin Donahoe, Jason Kostelecky, Seth Winterer and Thomas.

“All 16 players are very capable,” said Vaughn. “I see an incredible confidence. If our pitchers stay healthy, I think we’ll have a real competitive club.”

Shadle veterans being pushed

The Highlanders, fourth in league last year, have senior experience, particularly on the mound.

But, said Brooks, newcomers are pushing them.

“Real good juniors and sophomores are making their presence known,” he said.

Senior pitchers are Jeff Lafferty, Eric Hayden and Sean Hughes.

They’ll play shortstop, third base and in the outfield, respectively, when not on the mound.

Also back are pitcher-second baseman Robert Townsend and pitcher-outfielder Billy Stewarts.

Nick Bender and Kyle Heuett are senior outfield candidates.

Newcomers vying for berths include sophomore catcher Chet Womack, junior first basemen Joey Bell and Nick Bruck, junior middle infielder Levi Penick, sophomore middle infielder-catcher Derek Bishop and junior Jason Schrader at pitcher and third base.

“It’s a unique situation where all can pitch and play something else,” said Brooks. “It creates a healthy competition.”

Bullpup players aim high

“Aim high” has long been a mantra among coaches. That’s no different for Darryl Stephens, who takes over the reigns at Gonzaga Prep this year.

“I assume we’re going to be champions, but we’ll have to go from there,” Stephens said.

Stephens replaces Pat Shine, who coached the Bullpups to a fourth-place finish last year before taking a college coaching job in San Francisco.

For Stephens, coming to G-Prep is like coming home. He graduated from here in 1979, and went on to a successful career at Stanford. There, he walked on to the team and remains among Cardinal all-time leaders in fielding and batting.

Leading Stephens’ Northside charges this year are seniors Dan Murphy, and two-year varsity player Matt Comfort, both infielders. Junior Bullpups include pitchers Ben Coffman, Brian Frankovic, infielder James Goss, outfielder Jay Herrin, and infielder Nick Korst.

Others on the team are senior second-team All-GSL infielder Paul Greif, first-team All-GSL outfielder Mike Kocharhook, outfielders Pat Connellan and Cory Frazier.

Juniors include pitcher John Blakesley, infielders Joe Gumaer, Sean Thacker, Tom Black, outfielder Kevin O’Connell, and pitcher Kurt Paras.

New players bolster Rogers

Young players who battled to make varsity last year are joined by former junior varsity athletes to bolster the Pirates.

“It looks to me that we’ve got good young kids who will help us,” said coach Jim Wasem. “With our core from last year, we will be competitive.”

Sophomore Taylor West and senior Shawn Carlson lead the pitching group and play third base.

Junior Jeff Mace returns at shortstop, and sophomore Danny Crowley is at second. Andy Bayne is at first base and can also pitch. Brian Liberty moves from first base to catcher.

In the outfield are Matt Borders, veteran Chris Scott and newcomers senior Daryn Steeneck and junior Mike Dorton.

Also back with the team are pitcher Damian Roy, utility player Dan Wilson, joined by new pitcher Jason Bray.

Like Mead coach Vaughn, Wasem likes the chemistry of his team.

“We’ll have a good season because they like each other,” he said. “I feel real good about our chances.”

Veterans back for North Central

North Central graduated three starters from last year and have moved veteran players around to improve the team.

“I do think we can be solid and be a potential threat,” said Harmon. “I also think we may not be as good as we think.”

Senior team captain Matt Allen has moved from catcher to become the team’s number one pitcher ahead of returnees Andy Grigsby and Nat Sampson.

“Matt is one of the few players with a live arm,” said Harmon.

Matt Schwarzer, who will share first base with Grigsby and infielder Jared Starr can also pitch.

Junior Aaron Farr, returns at catcher. Third-year varsity player Ryan Corigliano is at second base and sophomore Brett Pearson will play shortstop.

Sophomore Nic Froscheiser is at third base. Outfielders are senior Justin Williams, junior Ray Bowser, seniors Pat Moore, J.J. Nelson and Allen.

Sharing team captain is infielder Matt Bernards. Senior Chris Blotsky is another backup infielder.

“We have an offense that hasn’t played together much and hasn’t established team chemistry,” said Harmon. “It looks like it could come together.”

, DataTimes