Teams Getting Set To Battle For First

GNL baseball

Great Northern League baseball shrunk and grew at the same time.

The league slipped from eight to seven teams when Colville stepped up one classification, to the Frontier League.

With Colville’s exit, the schedule makers adopted an 18-game league slate, four more games than last season. Each team will now play every other team three times, rather than twice.

Better yet, the door to first place blew open. Colville was 14-0 last year and had been the scourge of the league.

Lakeside and Riverside, who both tied Medical Lake for second place last season, figure to contend for the 2000 title.

Deer Park

Glenn Poland expected long afternoons when he took over the DP program last year. The Stags, with just one varsity veteran, finished 0-14 in league and 0-18 overall.

But Poland is ready for sunnier times.

“We have 40 kids out for the freshman team, so that’s hopeful,” he said. “This year we should be much more competitive.

“I’d say the best part is, we’re expecting a lot out of the seniors because last year was their first taste of varsity baseball.”

Returning seniors are first baseman Colby Parkins, outfielders Jared Holman and Scooter Henderson, and outfielder/catcher D.J. Creekmore.

The junior class is not to be forgotten. Pitcher/shortstop Shawn Henry figures to be the Stags’ top hitter.

Poland said a senior new to varsity, Eric Good, will help determine the team’s pitching fortunes.

“Lakeside should definitely be the favorite,” Poland said. “I know (coach Matt) Sullivan would like to hear that.”

Lakeside

Senior pitcher/center fielder Josh Taylor leads the Eagles, who tied for second place last year at 9-5. Taylor, a left-hander, was named a first-team, all-league pitcher last season.

“This kid can do it all,” said Lakeside coach Matt Sullivan, “and he’s a great kid as well.”

Lakeside’s other returning all-leaguer is senior Pat Day, who was selected as a second-team outfielder. Day has shifted to shortstop this year, when he’s not backing up ace Taylor on the mound.

Other senior returners are catcher/third baseman Paul Scott, outfielder Tyler Broughton and first baseman Chad Charbonneau. Senior pitcher/designated hitter Joe Barcus would have played last year, but he required back surgery.

“The short preseason will make it necessary to try different combinations, even in the regular season,” Sullivan said. “With a few breaks we might be in the hunt at the end, but the league will be well-balanced.

Riverside

Coach Ron Davis found instant success during his first year, leading the Rams to a tie for second place at 9-5. The 1998 Rams were 1-13.

“I think winning got contagious,” Davis said. “They finally found out what it was like and knew they could do it.”

This year’s fortunes will weigh heavily with second-team, all-league pitchers Shawn Johnson and Aaron Stapleton, both seniors. Johnson, a first baseman when he doesn’t pitch, is also a top hitter.

“If they come through, we’ll be right there with (league favorites),” Davis said.

Junior catcher/pitcher Daniel Loosier was a second-team, all-league selection as a utility player.

Riverside’s other returners are senior pitcher/outfielder Justin Kapple, senior designated hitter/outfielder Dwight Kasinger and sophomore second baseman Adam Morris.