|
|
|
Sports |
|
Due to the graduation of lauded first baseman and esteemed team leader David Kleppick along with four other significant '06 seniors, the Allderdice baseball team will have to rely on new starters if it wishes to make a return trip to the City Championship Game at PNC Park. Second baseman Tyler Graham, center fielder Eric Schlaich, infielder Phil Lyons, and catcher Nick Pfleger join Kleppick as vital members of last year's squad that will never don Dragon uniforms again. Attempting to fill the large proverbial shoes left behind by these stars will be senior first baseman Jonah Rosenthal, senior shortstop Teddy Katz, junior outfielder Brian Tobin, and senior third baseman Miller McCormick. Although Tobin described last year’s seniors as “Unbelievable,” he believes that this team’s players will be able to step up to the plate. There is, however, one very important area where the Dragons maintain a strong core from last year’s team, pitching. Allderdice’s pitching staff returns sophomore sensation J.R. Leonardi, daunting off-speed specialist Gil Malek, and a familiar last name in junior Greg Mesko (Greg’s brothers Jason and Chris also played at Allderdice). Also, southpaw senior Ross Miller brings great depth to the end of the Dragons' rotation. As always, the Dragons worked extremely hard this off-season, consistently partaking in Coach Don Nania’s famed morning practices as well as a plethora of winter conditioning exercises. The true culprit for Allderdice’s recent success under Nania might not just be the rigorous workouts, but also the development of a junior varsity program. Created by decorated community baseball coach and facilitator Jeff Rosenthal (he has been active in running 14th Ward Baseball for more than a decade), this institution has allowed for the development of underclassmen in preparation for their time on the varsity stage. Last year, Allderdice had a full varsity roster of 25 kids while also incorporating 25 junior varsity players into its program. But to repeat its 12-8 success of last season, Allderdice will need to get dazzling performances from its star Leonardi, as well as consistent production from starters Tobin, Katz, and McCormick. Regardless of how the Dragons' season plays out, the baseball program is running like a well oiled machine, something that undoubdtly bodes well for the future. |
|
A basic tool needed for this wonderful game. |
|
'Dice Baseball Taking a New Approach |
|
By Jake Rubenstein |
|
The Allderdice Foreword An Award Wining Publication |