LJ baseball: 11 seniors celebrated

By Ed Piper

Through the first 19 days of the scheduled 2020 season--in addition to the annual Alumni Game extra early this year on February 15--La Jolla's baseball team was tearing it up pretty well, with a good 5-2 start to a regular season that was to have seen a slate of  28 games.

Then "Friday the 13th" (of March) struck, and "dreams of fields" were dashed with the announcement that spring high school sports would be suspended (eventually cancelled) due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coach Gary Frank and his band of gypsies would be denied the chance for more field setups (including uncovering the Muirlands mound and setting up the famous moveable right and right-centerfield fence segments, known to capsize in the wind), high-fives, spitting (but no sunflower seeds on the all-weather artificial turf), and all the other parts of camaraderie that characterize the team sport.

Perhaps most cruel was the fact that none of Frank's 11 seniors, from Devin Garcia, who came back to baseball after taking his junior season off and starring for the Viking football team that played in the Division 3 state championship game last fall, to D.J. Lindroth, a returnee to La Jolla High after recouping his health and some credits elsewhere, could close out their high school careers with a completed season.

Said an emotional Frank, closing out his record 17th season as the Vikings' head coach, "This was one of the best senior classes we've had in the 24 years I've been coaching in the program" (counting additional years when he served under present assistant Bob Allen prior to taking the head coaching position).

The grand 11 seniors have most likely struggled with what to fill their spring weekdays with, besides virtual lessons on Zoom to complete their final courses, just as their head coach asked himself one day early under the "stay-at-home" restrictions if he should do another workout at home to while away the suddenly-free hours.

It would have been sweet for this sportswriter, who finished his 16th school year covering LJHS sports with camera and keyboard, to see just how far the 2020 Vikings could have gone. Hopes were high, as were expectations. Younger players coming up through the program had finally developed, and the solid crop of 12th-graders were complemented by some talented younger classmen.

Now, at reunions of this squad in future years, we can all play that favorite game of all sports enthusiasts, "What would have been if...?" In the 2020 edition's case, it will always be tied to a once-every-102-years health pandemic of epic proportions.

Frank, on his seniors, added more: "They stuck with things through the tough times of their frosh and soph years, and persevered to the point that we were one of the top teams in our league and division this year. They helped change the culture of the program, and laid the foundation for next year to be another successful season."

The former Viking second baseman, who will embark on his 18th season as head coach next spring--a continuing record, with each season he adds--said, "Every year, it is always tough to say goodbye to our seniors at the end of the season, but it's even tougher with this group. It is a very special group of young men; and while they were very talented on the field, their character and camaraderie really set them apart from other classes."

Presented below, one-by-one, are the visages of the 11 seniors, along with context and their coach's individual comments representative, obviously, of his emotion as well as his well wishes for them as young men to prosper in their future educational, career, and life experiences.

Uniform #2 Jack Liebesman

Jack Liebesman, the catcher, seemingly came out of nowhere in the abbreviated season, which began in late winter, two weeks earlier than previous seasons due to a (faulty) readjustment of the school-year sports calendar to afford time for state playoffs in fall, winter, and spring. Liebesman, who rolled with the heavy kidding that teammates dished his way in 2019, came back from injury to hold down not only the starting position behind the plate this year but also a leadership role as a seasoned veteran.

"I didn't know Liebesman was that good," remarked a visitor to the dugout in the early season after Jack deftly threw a baserunner out at second base. "That's how good he is," replied a team member. The backstop had further seasoned his leadership qualities in serving as a non-playing "coach" with the Viking American Legion team last summer, while he continued recuperating from injuries.

Though DH'ed for at the plate on offense in most cases, Liebesman handled returning pitchers Koa Scott, a fellow senior, Gavin Graff, and others on the staff with visible assurance and direction.


Frank: "Jack was our engine. He brought energy and competitiveness to the team every day. His work ethic and desire really developed a lot over the past couple of years. Jack battled through injuries to solidify our defense and pitching staff as a great receiving catcher. He provided great leadership to the team.

"Jack will be taking a gap year next year, and then continuing his playing at the next level."

#3 Johnny Meyerott

Johnny Meyerott, outfielder: Now, here is "Mr. Personality", the "hail fellow well met" team member who will greet you by name, slap you on the back, and probably even crack a joke related to something that happened or that he knows about you--all meant in friendliness and interest.

Early in the season, he and teammate Calvin Hyytinen, both of whom have played left field over the past two seasons, embarked on a training regimen that was in addition to Frank's team workouts. There they were, late one afternoon, laid out on their backs to do crunches and other core-building exercises. Hyytinen was moving fast. It wasn't an easy workout. Meyerott, eyeing his prone figure just beyond the beige infield non-dirt (on the all-weather turf) behind second base, called out, "I want to be part of that." Hyytinen, just as engaging, led the two through three different exercises in short order that left Meyerott, especially, straining and huffing, the look apparent on his face.

That was one of the last workouts they had together.

The 12th-grader was severely disappointed by the suspension of the season. It was hard for all of us.

Johnny, whose older brother Jimmy is JV coach, the two opposing each other in the Alumni Game, hit a respectable .273 in 17 plate appearances before the cessation of hostilities March 12. He had a triple and scored four runs, with two walks. Rosemary ("Ro"), his older sister, Class of '08 with my granddaughter, was a Viking cheerleader and now lives across the street from the Meyerott household with her husband.

Frank: "After missing most of his junior year due to a broken hand (he got hit by a pitch, and a pin had to be inserted), he really dedicated himself to the team and the overall improvement of the program. He has a great, positive outlook on things, and his attitude and effort rub off on his teammates. He was named to the California Baseball Coaches Association All-State Leadership team for his outstanding work with the team throughout the year. He will be attending the University of San Francisco (USF) this fall."

#5 Noah Brown

Noah Brown, who played second base last year to lessen the strain on his throwing arm, which he had injured in a pitching stint, has the all-American looks and manner of the quintessential San Diego surfer guy. He is gifted with a lot of natural talent, which he exhibits at shortstop as well as at midfield for the Viking soccer team.

Fully recovered, he anchored the infield with his smooth, assured fielding. He never got started at the plate, but that happens with only seven games played.

Frank: "Noah was a four-year varsity starter, and an exceptional infielder. He was a rock for our defense in the middle of the diamond. A very good athlete, he was also a four-year varsity soccer player as well. His quiet confidence and cool demeanor were a calming influence on the team--especially the younger guys. Noah is also one of the top surfers on the LJHS (club) surf team. He will be attending UCSD in the fall."

#7 Cooper McNally

"Coop" (as fans would call out to McNally) is a virtuoso batsman, bringing his experience and expertise to Gary Frank's program early in high school. Though an accomplished defender, he remained known for his skills at the plate. After a sparkling sophomore season, he took a little dip last year as he no longer held the element of surprise with opposing San Diego pitchers. As Frank said, "Coop had to make some adjustments." But that is a normal part of baseball on an ongoing basis, and a normal part of the learning curve in the game.

With Noah Brown temporarily stationed at the second sack last year, Frank had the elder McNally (his brother is a lefthanded pitcher) positioned at short. For his senior year, Coop returned to the hot corner, bringing additional savvy and seasoning at the plate, as well. He has gained a lot of life experience, and may he be an even better young man for that.

In the short season, "Mac" ripped pitching at a .357 clip, leading the squad with six RBI's in 24 plate appearances, also leading the team by far with nine walks. (No one else had more than three.)

He also played a major role on the American Legion team coached by Jake Grosz last summer, holding down shortstop and providing leadership to a predominantly young squad made up largely of junior varsity players who were going to move up this school season to the varsity. The Vikings AL team, named after a military plane in line with the organization's emphasis on service in the Armed  Forces, went to the postseason playoffs with a late surge.

Frank: "Cooper was a very intense competitor and brought a great fire to the team. He is a very talented hitter and infielder, and was really making big strides in improving his mental approach to the game. His improved plate discipline (his nine walks in seven games were two more than he had in the entire 27-game season the year before) allowed him to get on base and really become our offensive sparkplug this year. Cooper will be playing junior college baseball next year."

#8 Julian Zuniga

Julian Zuniga, P/3b, has an easy rocking motion to his sidearm delivery that he employed for a competing American Legion team against the Vikings last summer. He carries his baseball abilities as deeply built into his fabric, a mellow and likeable presence.

He had two saves in three appearances.

Frank: "Julian was one of our most improved players. He added about seven mph to his fastball (without losing any of his control), and developed into our closer in the back half of our bullpen. One of the most popular players on the team, 'Julz' is beloved by his teammates. His fastball/curveball combination consistently kept hitters off balance. Julian will be continuing his baseball career at the University of Redlands this fall."

#9 Calvin Hyytinen (foreground,
working out with Johnny Meyerott)

"Kid Hite" (or "Kid Hyyte"), as Calvin Hyytinen fashioned himself a couple of years ago, roamed far-and-wide as a striker for the Viking soccer team, and established his reputation as a fielder in baseball last year when he sprinted a long distance for a looping flyball to short left field, dived, and caught the ball--"laid out" for the ball, in baseball lingo.

"Go See Cal" has the darnedest surname, challenging sportswriters (like me) across San Diego County to memorize whether it has two i's (I thought earlier) or two y's. He's a orthographic nightmare.

But in the dugout and on the field, he's a great pairing for the similarly outgoing and loquacious Meyerott, his fellow outfielder.

This reporter recalls his brashness in the defensive backfield in football, manning a spot in a unit that faced high odds before the 2019 season, during which Coach Tyler Roach's squad progressed to he state championship final. No one thought a La Jolla High football team was going to go that far, in view of its last two decades of mediocrity at best, futility often. "Kid Hyyte" fit well into the narrative of the Cinderella team that defied the pundits, who predicted a 3-7 regular season in preseason write-ups.

Frank: "Calvin is a tremendous all-around athlete. He is a finalist for the prestigious Brent Woodall Award--the top honor for a student-athlete at LJHS. Calvin's selfless attitude, ultra-competitiveness, and outstanding drive and work ethic made him a great leader in our program.

"After taking a break from baseball during his first two years of high school, Calvin did an amazing job becoming a huge contributor on varsity over his last two years. Calvin will be playing football (and maybe baseball) at the University of Redlands in the fall."

#10 DJ Lindroth

D.J. Lindroth, 1b/DH, returned to La Jolla High and played in the baseball program. You could tell he enjoyed the camaraderie of the team. He wasn't the loudest member of the squad. He carried his first baseman's glove on a big frame, one of the bigger ones among the 21 roster members, packing 190 pounds on a 6'0" physique.

D.J. stuck it out with the team, despite not seeing much playing time during the truncated seven-game season.

Frank: "D.J. is a great example of resiliency. He was a two-year varsity player. Despite dealing with numerous injuries and health problems, D.J. kept working, and always had a positive attitude. He was a brilliant example of how to fight through adversity, and being able to be the best teammate he could be."

#11 Devin Brown

Devin Brown, OF/P, is one of those rare baseball birds who is a natural lefthander in throwing, but who bats from the right side. (Luke Brunette is another.) Southpaws are highly valued in the sport, because, statistically, only one in 10 Americans favors the portside--making lefty pitchers extremely sought after; and secondly, because a hitter who bats left is a step closer toward first base, making it that much more likely he can beat out an infield grounder. Devin didn't opt for the latter.

Even so, he led the Vikings at the plate with a .417 average, getting five hits in the early season--the only LJHS player over .400, though, granted, it was a short season.

Devin is one of the nicest guys. He has no guile. He doesn't act like more than he is. He just acts like himself.

Frank: "Devin was one of our top offensive players this year, but more importantly, his poise and maturity really helped balance out some of our more emotional players. Devin has a great perspective on life, and always kept himself mentally prepared for his next opportunity. Whether he was in the outfield, on the mound, or on the bench, he was a huge asset for our program. Devin will be attending junior college in the fall."

#12 Hobie Hood

Hobie Hood, a lefty pitcher, is one of the more unique personalities on the 2020 squad. He brings a little bit of "country" to the mix. He can kid and banter with the best anyone else could dish out. Plus, who else on the team has the same name as a cool sailboat?

Frank: "Hobie's passion and desire are second to none. His work ethic has never been questioned, and this year, Hobie was more confident and sure of himself. Unfortunately, he only received one start before the season ended, but he already had shown massive improvement--both in his performance, and his poise on the field. It's too bad he wasn't able to show off his skills throughout the entire season this year, because he was poised for a big year. Hobie was late to start playing baseball (he didn't take up the game until shortly before high school), and his extremely fast ascension in his baseball skills and IQ is truly remarkable. He will be pitching for Menlo College beginning this fall."

#15 Koa Scott

Koa Scott, the ace of the pitching staff,  dedicated himself to his craft and was the embodiment of a skilled pitcher with a good repertoire of pitches. He received a lot of ink, compared to his teammates, so he doesn't really need a lot more.

Frank: "Koa was one of our top all-around players. A three-year varsity player, he was a force on the mound, and through his hard work, he became one of our top offensive weapons. Koa has a great thirst for knowledge, and is always looking for ways to improve his game. He really developed from being a shy sophomore pitcher to a forceful senior leader. He has a bright future on the field and off. He will be pitching for Southwestern College next year."

#22 Devin Garcia

Devin Garcia, 1b/DH, came over to baseball again after his junior year off and a key role on the Viking football team last fall that brought La Jolla High's first CIF championship in 26 years. A fun guy to hang out with, a jokester in two languages, the big, beefy first-sacker had to share time with 20 teammates in a sport that only puts nine on the field and a maximum of 10 in the batting lineup at any one time.

Frank: "Devin is an outstanding young man. He was a starting lineman on the football team. He came back to baseball this year after taking his junior season off. A long shot to make the team, he showed great improvement throughout the winter program, and was an outstanding teammate--always pushing himself and his teammates hard in practice, and being super supportive on the bench during games. Devin comes from Viking tradition, as his dad was also a member of the football and baseball programs. With the shortness of our season, he unfortunately did not get to show his stuff in a game before the shutdown, but with the rate he was improving, he would have been a big factor on the field as the season wore on."