Connor Gillooly ’14 | Staff Writer
With an abundance of young, new players the varsity baseball team is looking to improve on last season.
In 2012, Head Coach Dan Griesbaum finished his 29th season coaching with a 25-11 record, good enough for a third place final standing in the Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Red Division.
“The MAC Red is an extremely tough division. We lost a couple very close games in the conference,” said Griesbaum. “We could’ve very easily won the (division) championship.”
Following last year’s season, two-thirds of the team’s starting lineup graduated. A new group of players will be playing alongside the remaining players this spring. Brett Bigham ‘14 is one of the players new to varsity. He hopes to take full advantage of the opportunity to play alongside the returning members of the team, he said.
“This is my first season on varsity and I’m really looking forward to it because we have such a good roster,” said Bigham. “It’s going to be awesome playing with the seniors because they put the team on their back.”
The team’s new additions have had successful seasons with South’s baseball program in the past. Last year, the junior varsity team finished their season with a record of 26-3.
“This is a very good group. I think they’re going to gel really well together,” said Griesbaum. “Our success is going to be dependent on how quickly they step in and help.”
One of the returning players who will play a vital role in this season is Carmen Benedetti ’13.
Last season, Benedetti pitched 38 innings across 12 games, facing 179 batters. The mound wasn’t his only home, as he garnered 76 put outs at his first base and outfield positions. Benedetti’s performance on the diamond last year earned him a nomination for the Louisville Slugger All-American Pre-Season Team.
“They (coaches) send in stats from all over the country and they select the top players based off of your stats and also based off the opinions of college and professional scouts,” said Benedetti.
Despite unofficial interest from both Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, Benedetti has committed to the University of Michigan. After officially signing in November, Benedetti is slated to play as a Wolverine in 2014.
Because of his versatility and veteran status, Benedetti will be an inspiring role model for the rest of the team, Griesbaum said.
“Carmen doesn’t have to say much of anything,” said Griesbaum. “All players need to do is look at him and observe him and they’re going to be inspired. There’s no doubt in my mind.”
The team will be focusing on improving the defensive part of their game, Griesbaum said. The starting pitching rotation will be complemented by a talented group of catchers chiefed by George Fishback ‘13.
“There are four people on this team who I would not feel hesitant at all about putting behind the plate,” said Griesbaum. “It’s real comforting as a coach to know that you got good people back there who are going to take charge.”
Fishback’s performance during his two previous seasons on the varsity team has earned him a spot on the team at Kalamazoo College, where he will be playing next season. He hopes his experience at South will help him in his anticipated college career, Fishback said.
“Coach Griesbaum and the coaching staff run this team like a college program so hopefully the transition will be easy,” said Fishback. “Coach Ott at Kalamazoo College has really got me very excited to be a key member of the team next year.”
As always, the team hopes to improve upon their previous season’s record and final placement, Griesbaum said.
“If we play to our potential,” said Griesbaum. “We should have no problem finishing at the top of our division.”
The team will see its first action of the season in a scrimmage against Divine Child on Tuesday, March 26.
