Baseball: Four elite catchers on display in City Section Division I semifinals

“Go ahead, make my day.”

Those are the words uttered by Harry Callahan from the 1983 film, “Sudden Impact.”

They also could be used by the four catchers who will be leading their teams in Tuesday’s City Section Division I semifinals, when Chatsworth faces Cleveland at 3 p.m. at USC, followed by Birmingham taking on El Camino Real at 6 p.m.

You don’t try to steal bases against Ryan Mendoza of Birmingham, Eric Yang of El Camino Real, Daniel Zakosek of Chatsworth and Gio Cheherlian of Cleveland.

Yang, headed to UC Santa Barbara, has thrown out seven runners in 12 attempts. Mendoza, headed to Long Beach State, has allowed six stolen bases all season. Zakosek, a junior, has thrown out eight of 12 attempts. Cheherlian, headed to the University of Antelope Valley, has picked off five runners and given up four steals.

So now you understand, “Go ahead, make my day.”

But equally important has been the catchers’ handling of the pitching staff. They block balls in the dirt and are always ready to support the pitcher.

“I think that’s the reason all four teams are having success _ consistency behind the dish,” El Camino Real Coach Josh Lienhard said.

Yang was the co-City player of the year last season. All four catchers play in the West Valley League. El Camino Real defeated Birmingham in last year’s City quarterfinals. Cleveland defeated Chatsworth in last year’s City semifinals. The winners on Tuesday advance to Saturday’s 1 p.m. final at Dodger Stadium.

Enjoy the play at catcher this week.

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