PREP BASEBALL 1992: CENTURY LEAGUE

El Modena

1991 RECORDS: OVERALL: 17-7 LEAGUE: 13-2

COACH: RECORD AT SCHOOL Mike Finn: 17-7

RETURNING STARTERS YR. POS. B-T Gavin Brown Sr. C R-R Jeff Ettinger Sr. OF-DH R-R Chad Henderson Sr. OF R-R Anthony Viramontes Jr. OF L-R

TOP RETURNERS: None

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. POS. B-T Todd Goerlinger Jr. OF-INF R-R Bryan Hanson So. P R-R Ryan Holmes Sr. 1B-DH R-R Chad Smith Jr. 3B R-R

OUTLOOK

With only four returning players, the Vanguards will be hard-pressed to match their success from last season. “Actually, I’m feeling some pressure, so I’m trying to take it easy,” Finn said. “Obviously we’re going to have a young team, so I don’t want to put any undue pressure on them. Hopefully, we’ll take our lumps early, get some experience and then we’ll see.” Finn does have a good base to work with. All four of his returning starters were all-league selections. Henderson, a two-year letterman, hit .410 with 19 stolen bases last season. “He’s Joe Baseball,” Finn said. “He’s one of those guys who just works hard year-round. I can’t get him to take a vacation.” Brown is a good hitter and excellent at handling pitchers. “We’re going to really need leadership from him this year,” Finn said. “The younger pitchers tend to listen to him.” At 6 feet 3, 215 pounds, that’s a wise decision. With no returning pitchers, Hanson will be the ace by default. However, all the returners might take a turn or two on the mound. “They all have good arms,” Finn said. “In this league, you can get by with just a good fastball. At least couple times around the lineup, anyway.”