LJ baseball: Overview

By Ed Piper

La Jolla High baseball coach Gary Frank, earlier honored for his 15th year of service at the helm--a new program record--took a look at this year's team and commented on each player:

Blaise Gimber, junior left-hander/centerfielder/first baseman: "He's in his second year on varsity. He was voted a captain by the team, the first junior captain in my 15 years at LJHS. Blaise provides a left-handed bat with the ability to get on base."

Gavin Graff, freshman infielder/outfielder: "He's been doing really well. He has really good poise for a freshman."

Cooper McNally, sophomore shortstop: "The difference between his freshman and sophomore years is dramatic. He's filling in at shortstop while Noah Brown's arm is hurt.

"He and Noah struggled as freshmen. They've seen the speed we have to play at the varsity level. They've picked it up."

Johnny Meyerott, sophomore rightfielder: "He's a big energy guy. He played football in the fall. He's strong and hits the ball hard."

Noah Brown, temporarily at second base: "He started at DH. Last year he was over-matched hitting. We needed a fielder. He's definitely doubled his offense from last year. He's a really good athlete. Like with Cooper, you can just see the confidence now."

D.J. Lindroth, sophomore corner infielder: "He had a really bad concussion before his freshman year. He wasn't going to school everyday. He showed up this fall. He's a big, strong kid. He played in Pony League."

Jake Klimkiewicz, freshman infielder: "He's very talented. Right now we're trying to not let him get overwhelmed. We're trying to let him get on the sideline and watch, so he can be the best Jake he can be and learn (what he needs to play at the varsity level)."

Arman Sanchez-Mohit, junior catcher/pitcher: "He has a lot of passion. He only started playing baseball in high school. He's working hard back there (behind the plate) everyday, trying to get better every single day."

Alex Monell, senior right-hander/DH: "He's the other team captain (with Blaise). He's our number-one pitcher. No matter what our offense is doing, when he's on the mound we can win. He gives the other guys a lot of confidence. He has a good fastball and curveball. He has really great composure on the mound."

Sola Hope, senior outfielder: "He's a good defensive outfielder. He's a great athlete, obviously--an all-league football player. He's played under the lights. Sola has a lot of fire. He's had a really good attitude. He's showing the younger kids the way. He's not afraid to say something (if he sees something that needs addressing)."

Christophe Naviaux, senior catcher/DH: "He's got good intensity. He's another multiple-sport guy (with wrestling), so he knows how to be competitive. He's always competing, pulling for the other guys."

Aidan "Hype" Suljic, senior first baseman/pitcher: "Aidan's a good guy because he brings some levity to the team. He can help keep the guys focused, but also bring some humor. He's another left-handed pitcher with Blaise."

Yered Teodosio, senior second baseman: "Yered's a good kid. He works hard. He's a role player. He doesn't live in the La Jolla area. He took the city bus to our game at University City (during Spring Break). It's good for some of these guys to see someone who really wants it."

Jake Austgen, junior infielder: "He gives us some depth. He's just a really hard worker. He's always working to get better."

Koa Scott, sophomore right-hander, in the words of pitching consultant Jake Grosz: "He's a sophomore. He doesn't throw hard yet, but he's a power pitcher, not a finesse pitcher. He goes right at the hitter."