LJ baseball: Julian, Spence

Junior right-hander Julian Zuniga rocks and fires
against UCHS April 4. He also plays third base.
(Photos by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

Junior Julian Zuniga, a six-footer, has a smooth throwing motion, with a good fastball. La Jolla coach Gary Frank also keeps him available to play third base.

"Julian is a great team guy," says his coach. "He is very popular among his teammates."

The easy-going Zuniga, with an even disposition, "has been a very reliable relief pitcher for us," reports Frank.

"He has good hands at third base, and gives us good depth at the corner infield spots."

Spence Carswell, who recently was moved up to catch in place of the varsity's two sidelined catchers, is named from his grandfather's last name.

Freshman Spence Carswell "drives
a long way in a Buick" (Dick Howe)
to snag a popup in warm-ups
before the Vikings' game at home
against Patrick Henry April 10.

"He has a ton of energy, and is very eager to learn and improve," says Frank. "He is a very coachable young man.

"He has done a very nice job filling in for Jack Liebesman, and even threw out the first baserunner who attempted to steal against him."

Carswell, who thinks his last name comes from "Swell" as a name from Scotland, plus "Car", doesn't have an overpowering throwing arm. But he puts out effort, as evidenced by his efforts in warm-ups and games since he came up to the varsity. He has, likewise, shown through his freshman seasons of football and soccer, the latter on which he played varsity, his amenable spirit, approachability, and good attitude.

He said this week, "Things on varsity move a lot faster than on the lower levels," but he is adjusting.

Frank: "He plays shortstop and outfield as well."

Long-time pitching consultant Jake Grosz is seen before and throughout games meeting with Spence, even squatting in catching position to demonstrate signal-calling, initial and secondary crouches behind the plate, and clarifying details on the pitch-calling Grosz communicates via signs to him on every play when La Jolla is in the field.