2007 Baseball Preview
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The 2006 Blake Bears earned a 13 and 7 record to go with a third place Tri-Metro Conference finish and plan to take their success last season up a notch or two in 2007. The Bears graduated only two seniors and return eight starters, including the entire pitching staff. The returning starters have vast experience; many have been in the starting lineup for the last two years. Steve Johnson who is entering his 28th year as varsity coach and has complied a record 290-208 record coaches Blake, Johnson is assisted by George Blackwell and Nick Rathmann.
"This is a team of very committed young men with a strong will to win. They are serious about their goals and helping each other achieve them," assesses coach Johnson, "the competition for playing time will be fierce, pushing everyone to excel."
A quick scan reveals a line-up that should be able to hit for power and average and a bench that is capable of getting a hit at any time. The Bears should score often and in bunches.
Johnson's teams are known for their defense and work ethic and this squad will be no different. They are sure of what they can do without being overconfident, boast quality players at each position to go with a strong defense and solid pitching.
Anchored by senior captains Erik Fiegel and Andy Cohen along with sophomore Jared Falkanger the 2006 Bears committed the fewest errors of any Blake team that Johnson has coached, while turning 14 double plays.
Fiegel and junior Phil Morgan lead a pitching staff that sports four pitchers who throw in the lower 80's and that are very stingy when it comes to bases on balls. Morgan will be entering his 3rd year as a starter, shouldering the responsibility for the big games. Junior captain Thomas Wheeler will handle much of the load behind the plate.
The outfield centers on junior Jimmy Yablonski who has great range and a strong arm. Junior Ben Hughes also has a very strong arm in right field.
"Not only will they be a fun team to watch, they are rewarding to be around. Character and ability are keys in sports and in life; these young men strongly exhibit both," Johnson summarizes.
Returning starters for the Bears:
Erik Fiegel (sr) captain ss/p (All-conference - 2-2 W/L, 2.04 ERA, .356 BA)
Andy Cohen (sr) captain 1b/c (All-conference Hon-Men - .315 BA)
Thomas Wheeler (jr) captain c (All-conf - .377 BA, .681 Slug %)
Phil Morgan (jr) p/3b (5-1 with 3.91 ERA)
Ben Hughes (jr) of/p (.288 BA, 1-0 W/L, 2.73 ERA)
Jimmy Yablonski (jr) of
Tyler Hoeg (jr) p/of (4-2 with 1.72 ERA)
Jared Falkanger (soph) 3b/1b (All-Conference Hon.- Men .339 BA)
Players battling for other roster spots:
Seniors:
Ryan Jach - p
Clint Pauly - of
Sam McNerny - of
Eric Peltola - of/p
Julian Felder - of
Juniors:
Frank Press - p
Jeff Dunn - 2b/3b
Seth Jurgens - p
Soph:
Nick Brunette p/2b
Blake Doerring - p/ss
Harrison Blankenship - c
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