LJ baseball: Offensive stats

Second baseman Noah Brown,
leading the Vikings with a .391 batting
average through 10 games.
(Photos by Ed Piper)
 

By Ed Piper

A quartet of La Jolla High hitters have gotten off to good starts in the preleague portion of the season, each holding a batting average over .300 through the Vikings' first 10 games.

The Browns, juniors Noah and Devin (not related), are ripping the cowhide off the ball, sporting .391 and .368 averages, respectively, to lead Coach Gary Frank's 6-4 team.

In the Vikings' City League opener against Mission Bay at home Tues., March 18, Noah played second base, while Devin was positioned in right field.

Coming up next, sophomore Gavin Graff, also a key pitcher on the staff, and junior catcher Jack Liebesman check in at .357 and .312, respectively. Graff, already a returning varsity player as a 10th-grader, leads the squad with 10 hits, the only player in double digits.

Gavin Graff, pounding the ball
at a .357 clip, leading up to
his start in the City League opener
against Mission Bay, seen here.

Senior center-fielder Blaise Gimber has drawn eight walks to lead the Vikings. Shortstop Cooper McNally, a junior, has reached base four times via hit by pitch.

Noah Brown, at second base, also has a .959 OPS for tops on the team. Devin Brown is at .850, with Graff right behind him at .848.

Noah is helped by a strong .481 on base percentage. Graff, likewise, has a .455 OBP.

Commented Frank on the four hitters:

"Noah Brown is a very gifted athlete. He was pressed into action as a freshman, probably before he was totally ready to be a varsity starter. He struggled offensively that first year, but he didn't let those failures define him. He kept working, and developing. After showing great improvement as a 10th-grader last year, he has really come into his own this season. 

"Noah is a multi-faceted defensive player. He can play a very good shortstop, and is a tremendous centerfielder--but he is absolutely one of the best defensive second basemen in the county. He has great instincts, and good hands, and he is incredibly fast turning a double play. This year, he has also developed into an offensive force. On top of all of his physical skills, most importantly is his strength of character. Noah is one of the key cornerstones to the LJHS baseball program.

"Devin Brown is a junior. We called him up for a couple weeks as a sophomore last season. He wasn't quite ready to be a full-time varsity starter last season, but he was able to learn a lot from the experience, and has made the most of his opportunities so far this year. He has a great attitude and is very mature for his age. He has been a great presence on the team, whether he has been in the lineup or on the bench. He is very good all-around athlete who possesses a strong throwing arm, and good pop in his bat.

Devin Brown, patrolling
the outfield with a
.368 average.



"Gavin Graff actually played eight different positions (everywhere but catcher) on varsity last season--as a freshman! Most people do not possess the versatility to be able to play that many positions, and even fewer can handle it as a ninth-grader at the varsity level. Gavin is a great competitor, who doesn't get rattled in high-pressure situations.

"This season, he has settled into first base and pitcher. On the hill, he isn't overpowering, but he has great command of his fastball and his curveball. He uses his accuracy and change of pace to keep hitters off-balance. Offensively, he has a great knack for putting his barrel on the ball and spraying line drives all over the field.

"Jack Liebesman is a junior, in his first year on varsity.  He has stepped in, and taken over catching duties. He has done a great job handling the pitchers. He has great blocking and receiving skills. He has also provided some clutch hits throughout the first part of the season."

Catcher Jack Liebesman,
hitting a solid .312.