Harbor Has Another Diamond of a Team

Jim O’Brien won’t comment on rumors that he may retire after this season, but the legendary Harbor College baseball coach will confirm that this is one of the best teams he’s had in 15 years at the school.

The statement is a strong one considering Harbor is a permanent fixture in the state playoffs. Ten of O’Brien’s teams have won league titles, and two (1978 and 1984) have won state championships.

This year’s club is maintaining the tradition. Strong pitching and a scrappy offense have the Seahawks off to their best start (21-3, 1-0 in the Southern California Athletic Conference) since O’Brien took over.

“I think our biggest concern,” O’Brien said, “is getting overconfident. That’s our biggest problem with these kids. They certainly don’t lack confidence.”

And there’s good reason. Six starters are back from last year’s SCAC championship team that reached the final four of the state playoffs.

In addition, the Seahawks have an array of talented freshmen and an incredible pitching staff that includes sophomore ace Pat Ahearne and Ryan Karp. Ahearne, a 6-foot-3 right-hander from St. Bernard High, went 11-5 last season. Karp (6-4, 190), a left-hander who will play at the University of Miami next year, led the team in batting last season. He also starts at first base.

Redshirt sophomores Jeff Hunter (South Torrance) and Sky Lasowitz complete the starting rotation. Sophomore John Ingram and freshmen Chico Limas (Banning High), Shannon Patton and Carey Lundstrom are the top relievers.

“We have exceptional pitching,” O’Brien said. “We have never been this deep in pitching. In 1984 we had five top guys that were better quality stats-wise, but not depth-wise.”

The Seahawks are also strong at catcher. Sophomore Gus Mungaray will start at that position and Robert Lewis, a freshman defensive specialist from Rolling Hills, is the key backup.

The rest of the infield includes Karp at first base and sophomores Jonathon Lopez (second base), Tony Liebsack (shortstop) and Mike Berry (third base).

As they were last season, the Seahawks are blessed with an array of talented outfielders. Sophomore George Baker and freshman Rodney Garcia (San Pedro High) will split time in left field, and sophomore Matt Nuez will start at right field. Sophomore Jim Henderson and freshman Mike Murphy will alternate starting at center field.

Offensively the Seahawks are consistent but not powerful, O’Brien said. Baker leads the team with a .400 batting average. Four other players--Karp, Lewis, Liebsack and freshman Erik Russell--are batting over 300.

“Seven of our nine starters are 5-foot-8 or under,” O’Brien said, “but we’re scrappy and very coachable. I just love this team, I really do.”