In New Hampshire I think you need to strongly consider Derryfield's Larry Longo. I realize he plays in a smaller division, although for those who haven't seen him play summer or fall ball he is as dangerous a hitter in Legion as you will find and in the first season of the GSBA's Showcase League he was nothing less than dominate, and he was facing some strong pitchers in Class L. Including Veino from Londonderry, Cataldi from Merrimack and Dodge/Gregsak from Pinkerton.
Great News update on AJ: (Bazdanes not below 90)
This is the latest from PG Crosschecker.com
http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/whoshot/whoshot.aspx?year=2008
Bazdanes, AJ RHP Nashua South Nashua, NH R/R 6-4 195 2008 Maine
04/28/2008
AJ Bazdanes came in for some bullpen work vs Alvirne on 4/25/08 and recorded 3K in 1 inning of work. His head coach had his velocity no lower than 90 on any fastball (JUGS gun_MLB team) and it looks that are rehabbing a minor back issue Bazdanes is back to Full Strength. Total numbers updated are as follows: 1-0/13IP/24K/5H/1ER/0.69 ERA Bazdanes next start will be 4/30 at Pinkerton High School in Londonderry, NH.
This is the latest from PG Crosschecker.com
http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/whoshot/whoshot.aspx?year=2008
Bazdanes, AJ RHP Nashua South Nashua, NH R/R 6-4 195 2008 Maine
04/28/2008
AJ Bazdanes came in for some bullpen work vs Alvirne on 4/25/08 and recorded 3K in 1 inning of work. His head coach had his velocity no lower than 90 on any fastball (JUGS gun_MLB team) and it looks that are rehabbing a minor back issue Bazdanes is back to Full Strength. Total numbers updated are as follows: 1-0/13IP/24K/5H/1ER/0.69 ERA Bazdanes next start will be 4/30 at Pinkerton High School in Londonderry, NH.
quote:Originally posted by Hard Hitter:quote:Originally posted by panthersdadCT:
Divison 2 powerhouse isn't too bad either,probably compares to soem Division 1's maybe.Hard Hitter his stats are a good question.I'm guessing well above .400 with some power numbers and great defensive stats as well.I wish him the best of luck, great ballplayer and tremendous future.Any other players of Anderson's caliber in the state this year?
Esposito, Jolin, Springer, Hewitt, Dwyer, Gandossy, Cooper, but out of those 7, 4 of them go to Prep Schools
2 Other prep school guys
Mike Olszyk - Suffield Academy
Mike Riemer - Berkshire School
Those are impressive numbers by Bazdanes, but again- the Gatorade award is also based on classroom performance and GPA. I don't know him, how is he in the classroom?
Classroom edge goes to Longo and Zapenas. Brad (Zap) has a 4.5 GPA in all honors and AP classes and has been a varsity starter at North since he was a freshman.
I don't know Larry's current GPA, but he was on the same Blackflies team as my son and his parents insisted on academic excellence, so I strongly suspect he's still an honors student.
Both young men are also have impeccible character. I'm not saying the other candidates don't, I'm just saying its one more plus in each of their dosiers.
I don't know Larry's current GPA, but he was on the same Blackflies team as my son and his parents insisted on academic excellence, so I strongly suspect he's still an honors student.
Both young men are also have impeccible character. I'm not saying the other candidates don't, I'm just saying its one more plus in each of their dosiers.
AJ has a 4.0 since his entrance into Nashua South and has brought his cumulative GPA up to a 3.4 GPA FYI.
Zapenas cleary is excelling in the classroom and the baseball field so congrats to him and his family.
Zapenas cleary is excelling in the classroom and the baseball field so congrats to him and his family.
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the PGCrosschecker "Who's Hot" entries are, for the most part, self/parent/friend-produced. I should know. 
Sounds like Zap is the front runner!
Keep Longo in mind his team through 6 games have outscored their opponents 83-19 on their way to a 5-1 record. I spoke to their head coach today who said Longo is tearing it up. As for GPA Derryfield has some pretty high standards for acedemics. I am going to get his stats in the next few days and I will share them with everyone. However I do think Zap is an outstanding ball player, I will admit I favor Longo based on my experience coaching him in the past.
GSBA - my son has played with both Brad and Larry, and there's no doubt both players meet the POY criteria with regard to athletics, academics, and character, but Zap has showcased with PG and will be attending BC while Larry has not showcased and is headed to Keene State. Personally - I always pull for the long shot, but in this case, and being fully cognizant of the fact that there may be another equally talented scholar athlete of outstanding character in the state, I'd be happy with either candidate.
quote:Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the PGCrosschecker "Who's Hot" entries are, for the most part, self/parent/friend-produced. I should know.
Holden,
Thanks for mentioning the above. We do enter a lot of information, but anyone can add their own info. That is why we call it...
WHO'S HOT
THE RUMOR MILL
PG,
No problem. I enjoy it. For some reason it's the only place I feel like I can write something positive about my son without jinxing him!
HC
No problem. I enjoy it. For some reason it's the only place I feel like I can write something positive about my son without jinxing him!
HC
HC
Tell Zach I send congratulations for his mention in the player of the week column in the Loweel newspaper
Tell Zach I send congratulations for his mention in the player of the week column in the Loweel newspaper
AJ pitched in his 3rd game of the season yesterday (4/30/08) vs Londonderry High School and fanned 10 improving to 2-0 on the season. There were a few teams MLB represented and had him at 88. Although it was a cold day he pitched another gem. His next start will be Monday May 5th at Dover High School in Dover, NH at 4:00. His team improves to 6-3 on the season while his team has only produced 3 total runs in each of his 3 starts.
Current Totals:
2-0/20IP/34K/7H/1ER/0.45 ERA
An extensive article was posted at: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI...1/62972110/-1/sports
Current Totals:
2-0/20IP/34K/7H/1ER/0.45 ERA
An extensive article was posted at: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI...1/62972110/-1/sports
TR,
I will be sure to do that. Thanks!
HC
I will be sure to do that. Thanks!
HC
GSBA - Any word on Longo's stats, yet? Noticed on NHIAA.org that Derryfield is beating the other Class S teams by football type scores (25-0 comes to mind). Are they that good or is the rest of Class S that bad or is it some combination of both?
In CT
Springer at AOF had $ hrs in last three games(Fri taft,Sat Kingswood, Mon Trinity Pawl. (2)
Springer at AOF had $ hrs in last three games(Fri taft,Sat Kingswood, Mon Trinity Pawl. (2)
dude stop talking up ur brother it says in the telegprah today that he is 2-2 now??? how is that when u say he is 2-0?
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI.../551081592/-1/sports
theres the article all the way at the end
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI.../551081592/-1/sports
theres the article all the way at the end
thanks for the feedback
AJ took the mound for South and pitched extremely well. AJ had 11K and gave up only 4 hits. AJ did not get the win, nor give up an earned run; however he pitched his team into the ninth of the extra inning ball game tossing 140 pitches. The following below was the very brief write-up form the Telegraph as well an update on current totals. AJ’s next slated start is for Monday, May12th and will follow that with a start on May 21.
Current Totals
2-2/28(2/3) IP/46K/11H/1ER/0.31 ERA/5 appearances
Local & High School Sports
BASEBALL
Trinity 4, South 2 (9 inn.)
All four of Trinity's runs were unearned – including the two the Pioneers scored in the top of the ninth – as Nashua South committed six errors in a 4-2, nine-inning loss.
The Panthers (7-5) came into the game with three straight errorless games under their belts. South batters struck out 13 times and left 14 runners stranded on base.
AJ took the mound for South and pitched extremely well. AJ had 11K and gave up only 4 hits. AJ did not get the win, nor give up an earned run; however he pitched his team into the ninth of the extra inning ball game tossing 140 pitches. The following below was the very brief write-up form the Telegraph as well an update on current totals. AJ’s next slated start is for Monday, May12th and will follow that with a start on May 21.
Current Totals
2-2/28(2/3) IP/46K/11H/1ER/0.31 ERA/5 appearances
Local & High School Sports
BASEBALL
Trinity 4, South 2 (9 inn.)
All four of Trinity's runs were unearned – including the two the Pioneers scored in the top of the ninth – as Nashua South committed six errors in a 4-2, nine-inning loss.
The Panthers (7-5) came into the game with three straight errorless games under their belts. South batters struck out 13 times and left 14 runners stranded on base.
He threw 140 pitches and he is just coming back from injury----DuH!!!!
chbazdanes:
If you are acting as your brothers advisor, you may want to consider talking to him and his coach about pitch counts. 140 pitches for a HS kid in early May in NH is a risky proposition at best. There's a reason why Major league starting pitchers leave after 6-7 innings and that is because their pitch counts are nearing or slightly exceed 100 pitches! That arm has to last a long time if he plans on playing in college and professionally some day.
If you are acting as your brothers advisor, you may want to consider talking to him and his coach about pitch counts. 140 pitches for a HS kid in early May in NH is a risky proposition at best. There's a reason why Major league starting pitchers leave after 6-7 innings and that is because their pitch counts are nearing or slightly exceed 100 pitches! That arm has to last a long time if he plans on playing in college and professionally some day.
Wow --- 140!!!!
And he is coming back from a back issue, minor or not, 140 pitches is INSANE! I have seen stupid coaches in NH do this before, but not with a kid who had already had a physical issue within the past couple of months. No game short of a state title game is EVER worth the risk of having a kid throw that number of pitches.
Just curious, what was his previous high for pitches thrown this year?
What was his previous high for pitches thrown ever?
What the hell is that coach thinking? More to the point-- What was your brother thinking! There is a time when a HS pitcher has to take control no matter what the coach says. This was one of those times! Seriously, I hope this has no lasting effect on him as the season progresses. Do they plan to give him some extra rest before he starts again? will he be on a low end pitch limit next time out ?
I went to the STA-Portmoth game yesterday. Nolan Corr (Wheaton-bound) was limited to 70 pitches in his first start after recovering from mono. He had thrown a total of 7+ inning in relief appearances over the past couple of weeks. Good Call Coach Schoff!
After what I saw yesterday, I would put Tim Welch at the top of any list for POY. He is now 5-0 and has not surrendered a run all season! He throwing harder and with much better control than in the past. He is also hitting the ball a ton as the Portsmouth leadoff hitter.
How would you like to go into the playoffs knowing
that you might legitimately call Ben Hart your #2?
And he is coming back from a back issue, minor or not, 140 pitches is INSANE! I have seen stupid coaches in NH do this before, but not with a kid who had already had a physical issue within the past couple of months. No game short of a state title game is EVER worth the risk of having a kid throw that number of pitches.
Just curious, what was his previous high for pitches thrown this year?
What was his previous high for pitches thrown ever?
What the hell is that coach thinking? More to the point-- What was your brother thinking! There is a time when a HS pitcher has to take control no matter what the coach says. This was one of those times! Seriously, I hope this has no lasting effect on him as the season progresses. Do they plan to give him some extra rest before he starts again? will he be on a low end pitch limit next time out ?
I went to the STA-Portmoth game yesterday. Nolan Corr (Wheaton-bound) was limited to 70 pitches in his first start after recovering from mono. He had thrown a total of 7+ inning in relief appearances over the past couple of weeks. Good Call Coach Schoff!
After what I saw yesterday, I would put Tim Welch at the top of any list for POY. He is now 5-0 and has not surrendered a run all season! He throwing harder and with much better control than in the past. He is also hitting the ball a ton as the Portsmouth leadoff hitter.
How would you like to go into the playoffs knowing
that you might legitimately call Ben Hart your #2?
nhdad
i didn't want to jinx tim. but he is on fire. i thought the last few years that he had the chance to be good. he is going to bowdin(SP) but after this season he could probably go any where.
i'm very happy for him and his family. they are great people, very diserving of this season.and the best is yet to come i'm sure.
chbazidines
while i'm sure your brother is a good pitcher. good players want to play,even to the point they suffer injury. i know coach Neverate (sp) wouldn't be pleased with anyone talking about pitch counts. but the umaine coach, should he read your city paper would be furious i'm sure.
we never know how high a level we can play at untill we get there. but i wouldn't think he's giving himself a chance at 132 average pitches per game. he is lucky he hurt his back.
if you are your brothers advisor, teach him what can happen to his college carreer if he blows his arm out. maybe even call the umaine coach,and he can call the hs coach. it isn't pretty when the end is in sight. i wish him much success.
remember this charlie. cream RISES to the top.......without stirring.
i didn't want to jinx tim. but he is on fire. i thought the last few years that he had the chance to be good. he is going to bowdin(SP) but after this season he could probably go any where.
i'm very happy for him and his family. they are great people, very diserving of this season.and the best is yet to come i'm sure.
chbazidines
while i'm sure your brother is a good pitcher. good players want to play,even to the point they suffer injury. i know coach Neverate (sp) wouldn't be pleased with anyone talking about pitch counts. but the umaine coach, should he read your city paper would be furious i'm sure.
we never know how high a level we can play at untill we get there. but i wouldn't think he's giving himself a chance at 132 average pitches per game. he is lucky he hurt his back.
if you are your brothers advisor, teach him what can happen to his college carreer if he blows his arm out. maybe even call the umaine coach,and he can call the hs coach. it isn't pretty when the end is in sight. i wish him much success.
remember this charlie. cream RISES to the top.......without stirring.
Again, all I can say is WOW
132 ON AVERAGE!!!!!!!!
how many walks is he giving up per game ? what is his strike to ball ratio ?
For a 7 Inning game? Are you & your brother INSANE?
Im really serious here. Does the UMO coaching staff realize this?
The math here is mindblowing! your earlier post said 28.6 IP correct? 5 Apearances means he has thrown 660 pitches so far this year. Take away this one 9 ining game and your still left with 520 pitches in 19.6 IP over 4 outings. That averages out to over 26 pitches per inning and he is not even averaging 5 IP/Game. When was the last time anyone from UMO watched him throw an entire outing? I can guarantee this, He is not going to pitch anywhere next year if this keeps up. This is DiceKesque! One thing is for sure, you can stop posting about POY/Gatorade and any other honor you can think of - if these numbers are correct.
If all this is true, 20dad is absolutely correct. You need to get some kind of intervention going here. He is speaking from the voice of experience. I do not know this HS coach, but those numbers are going to send your brother into never never land and probably under the knife at some point.
Again, if those numbers are true, You had better stop worrying about POYs and other awards and get this under control right now!
20dad,
Yes, the Clippers looked most impressive yesterday. I went down the hill and watch Tim throw from close-up for an inning. I dont ever remember him throwing that hard! And he was locating everything. I have not seen Ben throw since last summer, but from what I'm seeing in the papers, he seems to be off right now. Any insights?
I was giving Scott P. some grief. Where did Keegan find all this power? I dont remember him being this kind of power hitter before.
They learned last year that nothing is a lock, but they looked like a team on mission yesterday.
132 ON AVERAGE!!!!!!!!
how many walks is he giving up per game ? what is his strike to ball ratio ?
For a 7 Inning game? Are you & your brother INSANE?
Im really serious here. Does the UMO coaching staff realize this?
The math here is mindblowing! your earlier post said 28.6 IP correct? 5 Apearances means he has thrown 660 pitches so far this year. Take away this one 9 ining game and your still left with 520 pitches in 19.6 IP over 4 outings. That averages out to over 26 pitches per inning and he is not even averaging 5 IP/Game. When was the last time anyone from UMO watched him throw an entire outing? I can guarantee this, He is not going to pitch anywhere next year if this keeps up. This is DiceKesque! One thing is for sure, you can stop posting about POY/Gatorade and any other honor you can think of - if these numbers are correct.
If all this is true, 20dad is absolutely correct. You need to get some kind of intervention going here. He is speaking from the voice of experience. I do not know this HS coach, but those numbers are going to send your brother into never never land and probably under the knife at some point.
Again, if those numbers are true, You had better stop worrying about POYs and other awards and get this under control right now!
20dad,
Yes, the Clippers looked most impressive yesterday. I went down the hill and watch Tim throw from close-up for an inning. I dont ever remember him throwing that hard! And he was locating everything. I have not seen Ben throw since last summer, but from what I'm seeing in the papers, he seems to be off right now. Any insights?
I was giving Scott P. some grief. Where did Keegan find all this power? I dont remember him being this kind of power hitter before.
They learned last year that nothing is a lock, but they looked like a team on mission yesterday.
Note to AJ----GET A NEW ADVISOR !!! NOW !!!
I sure hope "Trimp" doen't get wind of this nonsense but I will bet he does!!!
I sure hope "Trimp" doen't get wind of this nonsense but I will bet he does!!!
I would like to caution people to not rush to judgements about a coach with the resume of Coach Neverett. I also question the authenticity of the advisor's comments in this issue. I have seen aj pitch this season and I can tell you he had about 105- 110 pitches that game. He only threw fastballs 95% of the game as well. So please, gentlemen, don't rush to judgement until all sides are heard.
POY? I don't know about I but Zap is still at the top by a wide margin in L.
POY? I don't know about I but Zap is still at the top by a wide margin in L.
oldschool
your right, should here both sides. i don't think coach would put a player in harms way on purpose.
i also don't think people really know what can happen with over use. nobody really knows what over use is ,but averaging 130 a game is a good sign. with bullpen and your between inning warmups. thats a big number.
your right, should here both sides. i don't think coach would put a player in harms way on purpose.
i also don't think people really know what can happen with over use. nobody really knows what over use is ,but averaging 130 a game is a good sign. with bullpen and your between inning warmups. thats a big number.
OldSchool,
Please note I said IF these numbers and situations are true.
20dad has it exactly right, each kid will have a different limit, but those numbers are should be well below the numbers being tossed about in this discussion.
As I said, I would like ot think any sane coach would never allow this to happen, but I have seen it in LL, Babe Ruth, AAU & Legion. It does happen, and it happens a lot more than people think.
Please note I said IF these numbers and situations are true.
20dad has it exactly right, each kid will have a different limit, but those numbers are should be well below the numbers being tossed about in this discussion.
As I said, I would like ot think any sane coach would never allow this to happen, but I have seen it in LL, Babe Ruth, AAU & Legion. It does happen, and it happens a lot more than people think.
As a coach in CT, our pitchers don't throw more than about 70 - 90 at most until late may early june where they might be allowed to finish a game depending on the situation. after they get to 100, they are done!!
In CT right now, a kid from Seymour, a junior pitcher/outfielder should win the gatorade POY. He is hitting well over 700 right now. People have been waiting for him to cool off but he just keeps on having 4 for 4 days and 4 for 5 days at the plate. STAT wise, he is def. having the best year and is 6-0 from the mound, lefty, sits at 85 for all 7 innings. has 5HR triples doubles, really something I haven't seen. Even when he hits a ground ball, he beats it out for a hit. has 6.7 speed. Really could be a special kid.
In CT right now, a kid from Seymour, a junior pitcher/outfielder should win the gatorade POY. He is hitting well over 700 right now. People have been waiting for him to cool off but he just keeps on having 4 for 4 days and 4 for 5 days at the plate. STAT wise, he is def. having the best year and is 6-0 from the mound, lefty, sits at 85 for all 7 innings. has 5HR triples doubles, really something I haven't seen. Even when he hits a ground ball, he beats it out for a hit. has 6.7 speed. Really could be a special kid.
I just got his name from a paper - Chris Renzoni
He was 4-4 with 2 HR, a 3b and a 2b. Please hold back any concerns about who is keeping stats and what not - I went to a couple of games and Seymour's first two hitters, Renzoni & Moir (BC) are studs. 3 - 6 are very very capable hitters as well. Again, he might cool off but if he doesn't, he is deserving as anyone else.
He was 4-4 with 2 HR, a 3b and a 2b. Please hold back any concerns about who is keeping stats and what not - I went to a couple of games and Seymour's first two hitters, Renzoni & Moir (BC) are studs. 3 - 6 are very very capable hitters as well. Again, he might cool off but if he doesn't, he is deserving as anyone else.
From what I hear Welch or Hart are the front-runners for NH. It has not been the best year, in terms of pure talent, for Class L seniors. Next year will be a different story!
welch may not have been nominated?
32 innings without giving up a run,i think that is impressive in any class. and a very good student.
when do they name the poy?
32 innings without giving up a run,i think that is impressive in any class. and a very good student.
when do they name the poy?
The NHIAA poy has already been picked at the All-State meetings yesterday. The Gatorade should be announced sometime soon!
Who won Class L POY?
quote:Originally posted by 20dad:
welch may not have been nominated?
32 innings without giving up a run,i think that is impressive in any class. and a very good student.
when do they name the poy?
i meant that he may not have been nominated for the gatorade award. he is having an unbievable year though.
Brad,
I'm sure Coach Henderson will answer your question.
You've had a terrific high school career. Good luck at BC.
I'm sure Coach Henderson will answer your question.
You've had a terrific high school career. Good luck at BC.
AJ pitches another gem as he pitched his last regular season game heading into the State Championship.
South's A.J. Bazdanes struck out 13, tossing a three-hitter to best the Titans one-two pitching punch of Alek Morency and Kevin McGowan, who combined to only give up three hits as well.
4-2/42.67 IP/69K/13H/ .19era/ 7 Appearances
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI...75397451/-1/sports01
Full Nashua Telegraph article
South's A.J. Bazdanes struck out 13, tossing a three-hitter to best the Titans one-two pitching punch of Alek Morency and Kevin McGowan, who combined to only give up three hits as well.
4-2/42.67 IP/69K/13H/ .19era/ 7 Appearances
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI...75397451/-1/sports01
Full Nashua Telegraph article
[QUOTE]Originally posted by chbazdanes:
GATORADE POY NH - ZAPENAS (NH)
congrats Brad
GATORADE POY NH - ZAPENAS (NH)
congrats Brad
Surprised AJ got the better of the matchup and lost the POY to the one who lost the matchup
oh well
Instant classic at Holman
High School Baseball: North vs. South
This is what you were waiting for, high school baseball fans. A Nashua North vs. South game that gave you everything.
True, last year's game, played at night, drew a raucous crowd, but it didn't contain the talent or the matchups that Wednesday's 1-0 South victory did at Holman Stadium.
Oh, the crowd was there, in excess of 500, and yes, it was lively. One fan even got ejected by the home plate umpire.
Why the intensity? Well, for one, it is now a rivalry. And two, you had two good teams who hope to make some noise in the tournament.
"You have two really good baseball teams now," outgoing Nashua Athletic Director Angelo Fantasia said. "This is what we've been preaching for the last several years, now that as we get into these cycles and get a little bit older, you're going to see some real great competition between North and South, and I think that's what you saw today."
But you won't often see anything like The Matchup – South pitcher A.J. Bazdanes vs. North hitter Brad Zapenas, the latter just named as this year's New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year.
These are two most talked about high school ballplayers in the area, and you were just hoping the confrontations would take place. It did, and Bazdanes, who tossed a three-hit shutout, striking out 13, won the battle all three times, twice in key situations. Zapenas, headed for Boston College unless enticed from any team in the upcoming major league amateur draft. Bazdanes, of course, is University of Maine bound unless the same thing happens.
The two played on the same Babe Ruth All-Star team a couple of years ago, and have competed against each other on the local youth level for a while now.
"It wasn't intimidating at all; I've been pitching against him all my life," Bazdanes said. "(Zapenas) started getting noticed in Babe Ruth and his talent level's really increased. But someone always has their weak point, know what I mean? And that's the inside pitch . . . I was straight fastball with him. I tried to back him off the plate a couple of times."
Zapenas flew to right to end a one-two-three first. With a runner on first and one out in the fourth, he grounded into a force out at second. But the key moment was the sixth when, in a 1-0 game, the Titans (12-7) had two on with two out and Zapenas grounded to second to end North's final threat of the day.
Brad vs. A.J. "It came down to it twice and twice the pitcher made him," Henderson said. "Obviously if one of those (ground balls) get's through, we're still playing."
No regrets from the level-headed Zapenas, that's for sure.
"It was fun, we got to face (Bazdanes)," Zapenas said. "We were hoping for that all season. He got the best of us today. I was looking forward to it. I was very confident going into it. He threw fastballs and I just tried to stay back and do what I was doing . . . Obviously I wanted to work the count and make him work a little bit, but if he throws me a fastball down the middle, I want to be aggressive. Key situation or not, I'm hurting my team if I don't go after that."
Indeed, great baseball.
"You had quality players up and down the lineup," North coach Will Henderson said. "The first two years I certainly didn't have the talent; last year, (South) had an off-year with some injuries and things and we were better. And this year I knew it was going to be a great game, and it was."
"It was fun," Zapenas said. "Great, great atmosphere. Last game of the season (for North, South faces Manchester Central today), and we treated it like a playoff game. It seemed a lot different because the (bulk of) the season really ended a week ago . . . It was a very good game, because I think we competed and it was nice to have people come out and support us."
Indeed, things got heated at one point, especially when the Titan fandom and coaches felt Bazdanes had committed a balk in the pressure packed sixth.
"I heard all the yelling in the stands," Bazdanes said. "The only thing that did was give me more adrenalin. It felt good. It felt good to finally get out here against a rival."
Indeed a great day for local baseball. Only thing better would be to have these two meet in a postseason game. With players like Zapenas and Bazdanes, you'd love to see it be this year.
oh well
Instant classic at Holman
High School Baseball: North vs. South
This is what you were waiting for, high school baseball fans. A Nashua North vs. South game that gave you everything.
True, last year's game, played at night, drew a raucous crowd, but it didn't contain the talent or the matchups that Wednesday's 1-0 South victory did at Holman Stadium.
Oh, the crowd was there, in excess of 500, and yes, it was lively. One fan even got ejected by the home plate umpire.
Why the intensity? Well, for one, it is now a rivalry. And two, you had two good teams who hope to make some noise in the tournament.
"You have two really good baseball teams now," outgoing Nashua Athletic Director Angelo Fantasia said. "This is what we've been preaching for the last several years, now that as we get into these cycles and get a little bit older, you're going to see some real great competition between North and South, and I think that's what you saw today."
But you won't often see anything like The Matchup – South pitcher A.J. Bazdanes vs. North hitter Brad Zapenas, the latter just named as this year's New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year.
These are two most talked about high school ballplayers in the area, and you were just hoping the confrontations would take place. It did, and Bazdanes, who tossed a three-hit shutout, striking out 13, won the battle all three times, twice in key situations. Zapenas, headed for Boston College unless enticed from any team in the upcoming major league amateur draft. Bazdanes, of course, is University of Maine bound unless the same thing happens.
The two played on the same Babe Ruth All-Star team a couple of years ago, and have competed against each other on the local youth level for a while now.
"It wasn't intimidating at all; I've been pitching against him all my life," Bazdanes said. "(Zapenas) started getting noticed in Babe Ruth and his talent level's really increased. But someone always has their weak point, know what I mean? And that's the inside pitch . . . I was straight fastball with him. I tried to back him off the plate a couple of times."
Zapenas flew to right to end a one-two-three first. With a runner on first and one out in the fourth, he grounded into a force out at second. But the key moment was the sixth when, in a 1-0 game, the Titans (12-7) had two on with two out and Zapenas grounded to second to end North's final threat of the day.
Brad vs. A.J. "It came down to it twice and twice the pitcher made him," Henderson said. "Obviously if one of those (ground balls) get's through, we're still playing."
No regrets from the level-headed Zapenas, that's for sure.
"It was fun, we got to face (Bazdanes)," Zapenas said. "We were hoping for that all season. He got the best of us today. I was looking forward to it. I was very confident going into it. He threw fastballs and I just tried to stay back and do what I was doing . . . Obviously I wanted to work the count and make him work a little bit, but if he throws me a fastball down the middle, I want to be aggressive. Key situation or not, I'm hurting my team if I don't go after that."
Indeed, great baseball.
"You had quality players up and down the lineup," North coach Will Henderson said. "The first two years I certainly didn't have the talent; last year, (South) had an off-year with some injuries and things and we were better. And this year I knew it was going to be a great game, and it was."
"It was fun," Zapenas said. "Great, great atmosphere. Last game of the season (for North, South faces Manchester Central today), and we treated it like a playoff game. It seemed a lot different because the (bulk of) the season really ended a week ago . . . It was a very good game, because I think we competed and it was nice to have people come out and support us."
Indeed, things got heated at one point, especially when the Titan fandom and coaches felt Bazdanes had committed a balk in the pressure packed sixth.
"I heard all the yelling in the stands," Bazdanes said. "The only thing that did was give me more adrenalin. It felt good. It felt good to finally get out here against a rival."
Indeed a great day for local baseball. Only thing better would be to have these two meet in a postseason game. With players like Zapenas and Bazdanes, you'd love to see it be this year.
Kyle Stilphen of Gardiner H.S. was named the 2008 Maine Gatorade Player of the Year.
