Fahs Could Go Far, But He’ll Never Forget Where He’s From

A woman called The Times sports department last summer asking if we were interested in hearing about major league baseball players involved in sleazy, unscrupulous acts.

Go on, we said.

The woman said she and her 10-year-old son had just returned from a local baseball card and memorabilia show, where, to her son’s delight, a few major league players were present to sign autographs--but only at 20 bucks a pop.

She was outraged.

“All these players are out there making millions of dollars--and complaining that they don’t get enough--but they still want kids to pay $20 for an autograph?!” she said. “Forget it. My son’s going to find another hobby.”

To this woman, her son, and all others who see baseball as the world’s most spoiled sport, we would like to present Derek Fahs, a baseball player with a heart of gold and a golden promise:

“I will never, ever charge money for an autograph,” he says. “I think that’s horrible. I’ll always give them to anyone.”

OK, so idealistic promises come easy when you’re still in high school, which Fahs, a senior at Fountain Valley, still is. But don’t discount him too quickly. The 18-year-old right-hander might be on his way to a professional career faster than you can say “bonus baby.”

Fahs is 7-1 with one save. He has a 0.77 earned-run average, and in 45 innings has struck out 58 and walked seven. His fastball has been clocked at 90 m.p.h., but it’s his slider that blows batters away.

At 5-feet-11 and 155 pounds, Fahs is not the power-packed giant that professional scouts seek. But his size is deceptive. Some compare him to former Yankee pitcher Ron Guidry--small but explosive. His mechanics are fine-tuned and his arm is never overused, thanks to some careful guidance from his father, Frank.

Fahs’ improvement has been steady each year--an important trait for any pitcher, especially those who already have 10 or more years’ experience. But it’s his attitude--poised under pressure, low-key about success yet intensely competitive--which makes up the wizardry of Fahs.

Scouts crowd the stands when he’s on the mound. Last week, more than 30 watched Fahs pitch against San Diego Mira Mesa, ranked No. 2 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports. Fahs struck out nine, allowed three hits and walked none in a 5-4 victory.

Against 18th-ranked Lakewood, Fahs struck out 10 in a 3-1 victory. Against fifth-ranked Millikan, he threw a 4-0 shutout. In a Sunset League showdown against Ocean View, Fahs took a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

“Then I kind of lost it,” he said.

Actually he won it, but it took some help. With two outs in the seventh and men on first and second, Fahs gave up a double, allowing Ocean View to tie the score, 3-3. He struck out the next batter to end the inning and, after his teammates supplied him with the go-ahead run in the eighth, retired the side for a 4-3 victory.

It was a big victory for Fahs, who beat Ocean View in the last league meeting between the teams in 1990. Last year, the Seahawks didn’t take him or then fourth-place Fountain Valley seriously. This year they knew better. This year, they heckled him throughout the game.

Usually, taunting doesn’t faze Fahs, but this time it did. After he threw out the final batter, he joined the victory celebration and even pointed at the Ocean View players. This moment was caught on his father’s videotape. To Fahs, a quiet, shy type who does not believe in flaunting success, the image is indelible.

“I don’t know why I did that. I shouldn’t have,” he said. “I guess I just let myself get caught up in everything.”

His attitude is refreshing. In an era that seems to cater to showboats, The Fahs is no Boz. Although he is proud of his accomplishments, he doesn’t boast.

Fahs knows he will soon need to decide between accepting a college scholarship or going directly into pro ball. Unlike some, though, he doesn’t daydream about his future. Asked what he’d like to do with a big signing bonus, Fahs shrugs. He seems almost embarrassed he hasn’t already given it some thought.

“I guess . . . I don’t know . . . maybe a car,” he says.

What kind? A Porsche? BMW? C’mon, Derek, dream big.

“I guess . . . a Toyota MR2,” he says finally.

At times, Fahs seems uncomfortable with the attention he receives from playing baseball. He enjoys talking about it, but says he doesn’t obsess. Besides, he has other interests. He likes to golf--he says he always hits a bucket of balls if he gets frustrated with his pitching--he dances to M.C. Hammer tunes and builds model military jets. But after baseball, music is his main love.

Fahs is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the band, Simple Truth, which plays Christian-themed rock ‘n’ roll. At one point during his sophomore year, he considered giving up baseball for music. But his love for the game brought him back.

“I really love baseball, I mean everything about it,” he said. “Pitching is a personal thing. It’s one-on-one, you against the batter. I love that.”

Fahs doesn’t understand why some players become cocky with success.

“I think it’s terrible. They should remember where they came from,” he said. “I’m thankful that I’m blessed with a certain gift. It’s the only reason that I’ve done what I’ve done.”

And if or when the day comes when he is sought out for his autograph, he says he will oblige all seekers with a smile.

Save your $20 for peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack.