LJ baseball: Step up

By Ed Piper

One year ago, Gary Frank watched his young, inexperienced La Jolla High baseball team struggle and expressed frustration over the challenge these days of convincing student athletes to "play for their school team" against the lure of travel ball.

Now, a year later, the 16-year head coach speaks of having met team goals in the aftermath of a 14-win season in which key players matured as sophomores and juniors, bearing fruit and becoming competitive.

"Our big point of emphasis this year was 'improvement'--and I believe we accomplished our goal," said Frank, a former star second baseman at his alma mater who went on to play professionally.

Sophomores Gavin Graff (utility), Luke Brunette (first base), and Jake Klimkiewicz (second base) blossomed at the plate and in the field. Juniors Koa Scott (pitcher), Noah Brown (shortstop), Cooper McNally (third base), Devin Brown (left field), and others came into their own as they became more established after getting their feet wet in earlier years.

The coach cited several team statistics to support his conclusion:

--Upping the Vikings' win total from six in 2018 to 14 this season.
--More than doubling their run production from 62 to 115.
--Runs allowed dropping from 140 to 101.
--Team batting average improved from .201 to a respectable .267.
--35 extra base hits, up from 21.
--On base average increased from .311 to .382.
--Slugging percentage ditto, .235 to .324.
--Fielding percentage went from .922 to .947, sixth best in school history.
--20 fewer errors committed.
--ERA dropped from 3.23 to 2.93.
--Pitchers' strikeout-to-walk ratio went from 1.59/1 to 2.17/1, sixth best in school history.

"Defensively, Noah Brown was outstanding at second base and shortstop," says Frank. "Calvin Hyytinen, who voted the team's Gold Glove winner, made a huge impact in the outfield after a two-year hiatus from baseball."

"Gavin Graff's versatility was huge again (right field, first base, shortstop, third base, pitcher, and left field)."

The coach's summation: "As a whole, the team grew together as they continue to gain experience and confidence."