Johnson expecting a big season from Conde

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Fremont Coach Curtis Johnson thought Jimmy Conde was the Coliseum League’s best pitcher last year. Conde certainly had a credible 2007 season -- 4-3, 2.32 earned- run average, and he completed five of the six games he started.

So it’s understandable that Johnson expects more from Conde this season.

The senior right-hander got off to an excellent start Monday. Conde threw six scoreless innings against Reseda. He allowed four hits and struck out nine as Fremont won, 10-0, in a game shortened to six innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

‘I’m expecting a lot of big things from him,’ Johnson said, adding that Conde is headed to Cal State Dominguez Hills in the fall. ‘He’s a second-year varsity player. Every time they had a scoring threat, he buckled down and made the pitch he had to.’

Conde doesn’t have a an overpowering fastball, but he changed speeds effectively on Reseda. He had at least on strikeout in every inning.

‘He’s a veteran pitcher now,’ Johnson said. ‘In tough situations, we know he can get out of them.’

-- Mike Terry

-- Image from www.balloonmaniacs.com