Master’s Places Its Faith in Experienced Lineup

Fundamentals and faith. Talent and faith. Versatility and faith.

The ingredients of a Master’s College baseball player mirror those of any player from any school, except that the faith part must come first.

Monte Brooks, a former San Diego Padres minor leaguer beginning his third season as coach, has little problem finding players who fit the Master’s mold.

“God has blessed us beyond belief,” he said. “He’s given us committed kids with the principles we look for. It’s been a joyful ride for me.”

And for the players who helped craft a 34-10 record last season after Master’s went 22-27 in Brooks’ first year.

Although NAIA All-American pitcher Ruben Escobar is gone, having signed with the Cleveland Indians, the lineup is experienced.

Seven of eight players who had more than 120 at-bats return, including leadoff batter Kurt Fillmore, who set school records with 46 runs and a .538 on-base percentage. Also back are first baseman Chris Kollman (.385), designated hitter Aaron Penberthy (.318, 12 home runs), third baseman Rob Avila (.329, seven homers) and outfielder Preston Sprinkle (.370, eight homers).

The loss of shortstop Danny Cato to graduation will be filled by sophomore Ty Sager, who moves from second base.

“Ty doesn’t have the lateral range of Danny, but he will be consistent,” Brooks said. “He has excellent hands.”

Sager is one of several players who will change positions or be asked to pitch in addition to play every day. There are only four full-time pitchers on the roster, including returning starters Matt Berry (7-2, 3.82 earned-run average) and Josh Higgins (4-2, 5.05).

Fillmore, Avila and second baseman Mike Ploharz, a transfer from Fresno City College, will be called upon in relief. Billy Huddleston, a transfer from Glendale College, will be a starter.

“I’ve got to have dual-position guys,” Brooks said. “We don’t have the funds and we don’t have the numbers.”

But the Mustangs do have faith. And exuberance. “We are like a young child who knows there are chocolate-chip cookies in the oven and can’t wait to taste them,” Brroks said.