Tuesday, June 30, 2009 — From this desk as SNAP Editor, I’ve not had the opportunity to see a lot of baseball this spring.
But based on the little I’ve seen and heard, this year’s Post 76 team should be the best in years for one simple reason... the best from each of the four high schools are playing.
There’s also a number of players back with a college year under their belts as well... and that’s got to be a plus.
In watching part of a game last week after the South Stanly players returned from their state championship celebration in Florida, the answer to how and why Ryan Poplin busted out this season with a dozen home runs became apparent in a pop-up to the infield.
The pitch before, Poplin just missed a high fast ball, fouling it straight back, before he popped up. It was the foul ball where Poplin’s bat speed jumped was so obvious. He truly whipped the bat through the zone... and with the bat’s momentum, when that round bat hits the round ball squarely, the baseball goes a long way.
While Poplin bats from the right side, joining Tyler Eudy, Justin Culp, Brett Brinson, and Jacob Beck to give Post 76 right-hand punch, the lefties in the lineup is a murderous row.
With Jordan Sells, Corey Dick, Alex Robichaud and Colton Burris hitting from the left side, there is plenty of pop in the lineup.
With the righty-lefty balance, Post 76 can field a potent lineup against opponent pitching of either persuasion and should score runs against average Legion pitching. To hold them in check will take top-flight arm.
As with so many sports, defense becomes the determinant when the winning trophies are passed out.
Can Post 76 pitching make enough good pitches and can the defense make the routine plays consistently enough to stay away from the killer... the big innings?
Bases on balls and inopportune errors often lead to those self-destructive innings that can ruin a great pitching effort or a big night with the bats.
There are plenty of arms on this team and versatility abounds, which would leave one to believe that this year’s team can be a front-runner until the end.
Getting everyone on the same page and keeping them all sharp will be the challenge... that and throwing strikes while making the plays to stay away from the big inning.
Jim Lisk is editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call him at (704) 982-2121 ext. 28 or e-mail snaponline28@carolina.rr.com.
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Best team in years?
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