Part 1 in a Series
Before the 2019 baseball season even got started, Coach Jim Hastings gathered his thoughts for the season, put pen to paper, and gave a laminated copy of his goals to each of his 18 players. He didn’t mince words: “Win section, win WPIAL, make state playoffs.” The players still have that maxim posted inside their lockers as a constant reminder to keep focus on the big picture, day-by-day, and game-by-game.
Some of the guys making powerful contributions along that journey are the team’s senior outfielders Dante DeBaldo, Mitchell Miles, Vincent Ninehouser, James Patterson, and Jonathan Simon. Known for their strength and forceful plays, spectators have been treated to some great baseball as they’ve speedily tracked down balls and demonstrated their athleticism with diving and game-saving catches. Midway through the season, the team is 6-2 overall, and 4-2 in WPIAL Class 5A Section 3 play.
“All of these guy have strong, accurate arms, and are power hitters at bat,” second-year Coach Hastings says. “Mitchell, Jonathan, and Vinny also pitch for us, so they can read the field well too. These guys, as well as the rest of the seniors, have played together since they were little. They have great communication and a real connection with each other.”
“We know exactly what the other one is thinking, we trust in each other, and we compliment each other’s strengths” agrees Mitchell, a center outfielder and the team’s lead hitter who is referred to by his coach as “the best outfielder I’ve seen in a long time.”
Mitchell continues, “Every one of us is very skilled and we have so much depth this year. For myself, I’d say defense has always been my strong point. I love the thrill of running down fly balls and doing diving catches.”
James, a D-II Pitt-Johnstown recruit is a big, strong, athletic player who brings a lot of energy to the team. “He plays hard every day and we look to him to drive in plays,” says Coach Hastings. Vincent is very sure-handed and reliable, and I feel comfortable when he’s out there playing. Dante is a great athlete and, like Mitchell, plays by instinct. He’s added to our hitting power ability and just has the ability to affect the game for us, whether he’s starting or not starting.”
Rounding out the seniors’ presence in the outfield landscape is Jonathan, a center and right fielder who also has done very well on the mound with pitches clocked between 80-85 mph. His strong arm and quickness produced a grand slam against Kiski Area, and a memorable diving catch in a game versus Deer Lakes.
“I was playing center field and the play occurred in the right field gap,” he recalls. “I made a diving catch with a guy on second, and if the ball would have landed, he would have scored. It resulted in no runs.”
It’s exactly that kind of playing that will keep the team on track for a postseason run.
“I think we have a very good shot of winning the section and going to playoffs,” Mitchell says. “Our outfield is unmatched and we’re very, very strong hitters.”
Jonathan comments, “I think if we play very clean games and don’t make many mistakes on either side, we’ll make the playoffs. But it’s too early to worry about that at this point. I’m not concerned. Right now we have the best start on the season since I’ve been on the team and we have a great group of guys.”
Coach Hastings couldn’t agree more and is pleased with his players’ performance and senior leadership, on and off the field. “It is a pleasure to coach these kids. They know how to have fun with the game and like to kid around with each other, but when it’s time to focus they get it, and they are always ready for games.”
Next up: The Foxes’ senior infielders