By Dennis Bowling
Beecher Boys Varsity Baseball Coach Brandon DuBois has six very talented seniors to lead the way. As a result, the Bobcats should be in the mix for another River Valley Conference Title with the season starting on March 17.
“We have a solid core of players, along with three good pitchers coming back,” he said. “While five seniors graduated, we will be able to fill those roles.”
Returning from last year’s Bobcat team, which finished with a 19-7 overall mark and won the RVC Title, are seniors, who will be playing multiple positions: Michael Gaidar (SS, OF), Zak Gorcowski (3B, OF), Jacob Graniczny (OF, P), Rio Llamas (1B, OF), Steve Sadus (OF, IF), and Ethan Turney (IF, P, OF).
Last season, Graniczny was the RVC Player of the Year and had 21 RBIs, 6 doubles, and 12 triples. He will continue his education and baseball career at Purdue Northwest, Hammond, Indiana.
“Michael is a good team player and always does what I ask of him,” said DuBois. “Zak is very athletic. He’s coming off a leg injury but has been cleared to play.”
“Jacob, who is short and quick, has a nice simple swing,” he continued. “Rio is a big strong player. When he makes contact the ball really goes. He is always able to put the ball in play.”
During this past winter, Graniczny, who is a hard worker and loves baseball, has been very busy working out with the Purdue Northwest baseball team.
“I have been hitting with their team,” he said. “I never stopped working out. I just want to help out my team. Coach DuBois always is talking to me, and that helps me to stay mentally strong. I have really improved in all aspects of the game. It will be tough, but we should have a good year. We would like to do well in the conference, too.”
“Steven (Sadus) has a sneaky quick swing,” said DuBois. “He can cover a lot of ground in the outfield, plus also plays good defense. Ethan is a good first baseman. He has some power and can make contact at the plate.”
Gorcowski feels the Bobcats have very good team chemistry. “I’m a team leader,” he said. “The whole team is close, and we’ve bonded well together. Jacob has a lot of potential and is a good pitcher. He has to work on his mechanics and is looking at baseball as a career.”
“I am looking to be a solid hitter,” he said. “I am a good fielder and help my teammates with their game. AJ (Snell) is a great pitcher and fielder, too. Quinton is a very good catcher and has put in a lot of time and work on his game. His family is very supportive.”
The Bobcats very talented juniors include Quinton Allen, (RVC All-Conference, catcher), AJ Snell (P, SS, catcher) Trevor Stout (.350, 30 innings pitched, 2.53 ERA), and Nate Diachenko (OF, P).
“Quinton has a great work ethic and is a good hitter and pitcher,” said DuBois. “AJ does well at all positions and could be a lead-off hitter, while Nate’s smart, is a strong player, and knows to play.”
Coach DuBois also will be looking for contributions from sophomores Nolen Lane, (IF, P) and Zach Del Rio.
“Nolen will be a nice ball player,” he said. “He has to grow and get stronger, but he has a nice swing and knows the game very well, while the ball jumps off of Zach’s bat.”