Ben Murphy
Sports Scene
The Sacred Heart Academy baseball program graduated eight seniors from last year’s team that went 32-3, won the Mid-State Athletic Conference, and powered their way to 29 home runs and 84 extra-base hits. The Fighting Irish won their first 30 games last year and were ranked first in the Division 4 polls before exiting to Beal City in the district championship.
“We are significantly younger this year,” head coach Earl Hartman said. “But the young kids are stepping up, and the two seniors who returned to the diamond are making quality contributions after one or two years off.”
The 2012 squad is lacking in experience, having only five seniors, including two that took at least a season off and one that’s out for the season with an injury, but Hartman is hoping for another solid season.
“The success of the team will likely be determined by the play of returning junior letter winners,” Hartman said.
Those juniors are Nolan Briggs (outfield, .368 avg.), Nick Miller (catcher/second base, .286), Mitch Myler (outfield/pitcher, .235), Mike Heller (third base/pitcher, 4-0, 1.27 ERA).
“All performed well in reserve roles last year but will need to make significant contributions to this year’s squad,” Hartman said.
The coach is also hopeful that sophomores Brooks Hyble (first base/outfield) and Lane Levine (outfield) will contribute as well.
Seniors on the team are Tyler Sabuda (catcher, .417), Grant Schafer (outfield, out for season with injury), Ryan Szymanski (catcher/outfield), and Luke Goenner (outfield).
Other returning starters are Nick Hire (pitcher/shortstop, .435, 8-1, 0.60 ERA) and Drew Reetz (second base, .364).
Despite the personnel losses, the Irish are 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.
“We’re happy to be undefeated after five games and hope to continue to get better,” Hartman said. “We have a lot of challenges ahead but look forward to a successful season.”