San Diego Player of the Week : Raskind, Despite 1-Hitter, May Not Make the Varsity

Granite Hills pitcher Mike Raskind was not supposed to be on the school’s varsity baseball team this year. And according to Golden Eagle Coach Gordy Thompson, Raskind’s fate on the team isn’t determined yet.

Raskind, who was 3-4 on the junior varsity last year as a sophomore, expected to stay there this season.

Saturday against St. Augustine, Raskind, the Times Player of Week, proved he could play at the varsity level, pitching a one-hitter and striking out 10 batters, as the Eagles beat the Saints, 3-0.

But Thompson said he is still uncertain about Raskind, the only sophomore on the team. Thompson is in the position most coaches only dream about: He’s got too many quality pitchers on his squad.

“When you start looking at a sophomore pitching against seasoned seniors, you have to be somewhat apprehensive,” Thompson said. “He could be going down to the JV team and might be going back and forth this season. But based on his performance Saturday, he has made a major step toward staying with the varsity.”

Raskind’s toughest competition for spots on the roster are seniors Scott Weber and Danny Nerat, who tossed a perfect game last year against University High.

This fall, Raskind perfected his fork ball, which he used to strike out three St. Augustine batters Saturday.

Thompson said Raskind has been effective mixing his pitches.

“And the best thing of all is that he can throw them all for strikes,” Thompson said.

Saturday, Raskind had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning. Yet he seemed to keep it all in perspective.

“I was aware of the no-hitter, but I just went along with my regular game, trying not to put any pressure on myself,” Raskind said.

Still, for Raskind, there is the prospect of being sent down again.

“If I go down to the JVs, it won’t bother me at all,” Raskind said. “I’m just a sophomore and that’s what the JV team is for, sophomores and freshmen.”

Mike Raskind

Granite Hills High School

Position: Pitcher

Class: Sophomore

Last Week: Threw one-hitter and struck out 10 batters in Granite Hills’ 3-0 win over St. Augustine.