Lumen baseball team has pitching depth to make another run (file photo above)
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson — They were the best team in Division 3, a collection of guys that went to East Lansing with a dream, and exited with a state championship trophy.
In 2015, there were none better than the Lumen Christi baseball team.
And when the 2016 season began a few weeks ago, coach Phil Clifford made it a point to stress last year is just that — last year.
“You have to separate the two years and the two teams,” Clifford said. “That was last year, the 2015 team. This is the 2016 team, one that has to create it’s own identity. We still have to figure out chemistry, the guys on the field. We’re replacing our outfield and pieces of our infield. Sure, we recognize the achievement, but this is a new team.”
True, but some of the key pieces from that group are back in the mix.
Nine guys that were part of the state title returned this spring, including four starters.
But the key, Clifford said, is pitching depth — and the Titans have plenty of it.
“It’s a huge advantage,” Clifford said. “It’s absolutely huge. Our pitching is as deep as it’s ever been. We have up to 10 guys throwing right now.”
The returns, while early, have been encouraging.
The guys were 3-1 through their first four games of the season, and aside from one inning in which they allowed eight runs in a loss to Columbia, the Titans’ pitchers have allowed a grand total two runs.
“We’ve started four guys here in the opening games, and all four went out and really challenged hitters,” Clifford said. “And these may not be our front of the end rotational guys.”
Clifford was also quick to point out another advantage he has going this year, calling senior catcher John Fleming “a huge bonus.”
“He manages pitchers so well,” Clifford said of Fleming, a four-year varsity veteran. “He can manage the field well. He’s a great player all the way around. He’s a guy that works with the JV. He’s teaching the younger guys, which is something we pride ourselves on.”
Fleming will give signals to the staff all season, quarterbacking the defense from behind the plate.
And while Zach Mehelich will anchor the pitching staff after going 10-2 a year ago, including a win in the semifinals, the depth of the staff has Clifford believing this is a group that has another long playoff run in it.
“Anytime you have all your pitching back you have that opportunity,” the Titans’ skipper said. “The team we had last year was so good defensively. To be good it takes more than pitching. We need defense and key hitting. Right now it’s figuring out all the pieces of the puzzle.”
But some of the most important pieces are already in place.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
