1996 Baseball Preview : Small Schools

Capistrano Valley Christian: 7-12, 5-4 in 1995. Coach: Terry Gaunt (third year, 8-29). Prospects: The Eagles went to the playoffs last year for the first time in nine years. Jason Jarvis, a pitcher-shortstop and All-Academy League first-team selection, returns. He hit .339 and had a 2-4 pitching record. He was the leadoff hitter last year, but will probably bat third. First baseman Derek Sommerville, a .311 hitter, is also back and will bat fifth.

Heritage Christian: 9-10, 7-3 in 1995. Coach: Mike Smith (third year, 22-18). Prospects: Jay Williams, a .328 hitter, and Chris Myrtle, who batted .323 and had a 7-2 record on the mound, are back, giving the Patriots a solid nucleus. Throw in returning starters Dave Acheson (.396), Rosendo Bordeaux (.314), Jerry Jones, Jim Findlater, Jason Burns and Joel Marlowe--all of whom saw action last season--and Heritage Christian appears ready to battle for the Express League title. “We have a lot of talent at each position,” Smith said. About the only thing the Patriots lack is team speed.

Huntington Beach Claremont: 7-5, 5-5 in 1995. Coach: Tony Camargo (first year). Prospects: Camargo, a new coach, brings high hopes to the Cougars in the Express League race, where Downey Calvary Chapel and Palos Verdes Rolling Hills Prep figure to put up quite a fight for the title. Returning are shortstop-pitcher Ryan Cronkite and second baseman Mike Derichsweiler.

Liberty Christian: 16-5-1, 9-0 in 1995. Coach: Ray Clifton. (11th year, 153-78). The defending Academy League champions are deep with talent. Ray Cook, a left-handed pitcher who struck out 115 batters and posted a 1.43 ERA, returns. Returning are shortstop Bryan Davis, who batted .471 and drove in 30 runs, second baseman Jon Stephens, a .443 hitter, and first baseman Mike Winters, a .400 hitter.

Pacific Shores: 1-13 overall. Coach: Aaron Holmes (first year). Prospects: Holmes, who has been on the job only a week, has a major buildup planned. Third baseman J.J. Licini, shortstop-pitcher Ricky Wahler and pitcher-catcher Jack Clinton are joined by Zack Higman, John Short and Vince Christov.

St. Michael’s Prep: 1-13, 0-9 in 1995. Coach: Jack Dignan (seventh year, 20-85) Prospects: The Pioneers had a rough time in the Academy League last year. But with the league adding two teams (going to six overall), “our record should be better,” Dignan said. Dignan was jolted when two seniors Roman De La Riva and Orlando Sanchez decided not to play. But there is some new talent. Freshman shortstop-pitcher Fred Enciso has the coaching staff excited--”he’s a natural,” Dignan said--and junior catcher Laurence Day may inject some power into the offense. St Michael’s has nowhere to go but up, and Digan believes his team can finally start taking steps in that direction.

Southern California Christian: 13-8, 7-1 in 1995. Coach: Jim Allen (13th year, 180-52). Prospects: Allen has his work cut out for him. Only catcher-outfielder David Enda (.412, 23 RBIs) and first baseman Les Allen (.323, 15 RBIs) are proven hitters. Several players are battling for starting spots in the outfield. Senior Mark Caballero (3-1, 2.05 ERA) is the only returning pitcher of note. Shortstop Jeremy Smith, second baseman Mike DuChene and outfielder Billy Campbell return, while sophomore Chad White and freshman Mike Aldape are expected to battle for the starting spot at third base. Anza Hamilton and La Verne Lutheran are the favorites to win the Arrowhead League.