St. Joseph baseball to feature young lineup

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 | 8:21 PM

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Kurt Krebs knows he has a tough task ahead of him as a first-year coach of St. Joseph baseball, but he's up to the challenge. He inherits a roster made up of mostly underclassmen, but that hasn't stopped him from taking on a positive outlook as the season draws near.

“I think we're going to be a surprising team,” Krebs said. “Because we're very young, I think people are going to look at us and think that this team in a couple of years is going to be a solid team. I think the talent is good enough to be competitive for this year and the couple of years after. I think they're ready to be competitive now.”

The Spartans finished 4-11 overall and 1-9 in Section 1-A last season.

Even though the season hasn't begun, Krebs has a simple message for his team.

“I keep telling them work hard every minute you're at practice,” Krebs said. “Give me two solid hours every day, and it will be the same on game day. Give me seven full innings of hard work. If we work hard the entire time, I'll put my guys up against anybody.”

While the team is young, versatility will be a strength as each player can play multiple positions, making things easier on Krebs when it comes to filling out the lineup card on game day.

Sophomore Eli Swierczewski will play a major role in the outfield as a center fielder and will bat in the middle of the order.

“He's a great kid,” Krebs said. “He will go get everything in the outfield, and if he can't get it he will dive for it and try. He drives the ball effortlessly. His swing, it doesn't look like he's exerting himself. It's real smooth. The ball jumps off his bat.”

Sophomore Glen Spath is one of potentially four pitchers Krebs can turn to on the bump. Along with pitching, Spath may end up doing some catching, as well.

“He's one of those kids that really understand the game,” Krebs said. “He can think through a situation and understand what I'm asking to do and why.”

Other players who could join Spath on the mound include fellow sophomores Dominic Fellows and Bowen Lambermont, and freshman Hayden Mallin.

Fellows primarily will play shortstop but can play other positions in the infield if needed. Lambermont, along with pitching, will play third base but could also get some work in the outfield.

“He's sort of the wild card in my pitching staff,” Krebs said of Lambermont. “He has unbelievable movement on his fastball. I'm curious to see how it plays in a real game.”

Mallin is as versatile as they come. When he's not pitching he can play anywhere in the infield or may end up doing some catching, according to Krebs. Sophomore first baseman Tyler Woods, whom Krebs said has great power, will hit in the middle of the order.

St. Joseph opens the season Monday against Riverview at home.

D.J. Vasil is a freelance writer.