KANNAPOLIS — Only elephants have memories long enough to remember a time when A.L. Brown returned three experienced frontline pitchers.
But that’s the case this season. Coach Empsy Thompson enters the 2002 campaign with few concerns about a potent pitching corps that boasts proven commodities in righties Zach Ward and Andrew Petty and lefty John Graham.
Ward, a college prospect whose high-80s heat sets up a knee-buckling curveball and slider, is the certified ace.
“Zach’s definitely our No. 1 guy,” said Thompson, who’s in his third season. “He’s our catalyst. We expect him to do as well or better than last year.”
The muscular Graham played a big role in Wonder hoops success, so he reported for duty late.
“He’s behind because of basketball, but John’s legs should be in pretty good shape,” said Thompson.
Petty was a stud for the Kannapolis American Legion team last summer and is reportedly throwing — depending on whom you talk to — aspirin tablets or lasers.
“Andrew’s much improved,” Thompson confirmed.
Drew Maher, the football quarterback, also has mound experience, although a back injury shelved him for part of last season. Daniel Smith, who figures to be one of the team’s sluggers, is another mound possibility.
A huge key for the Wonders is who’s going to replace Thumper Williams and catch those hurlers. Thompson said he’s leaning toward freshman Ryan Query, although Kevin Pittmon, the jayvee catcher last season, is very much in the running.
“Both of those kids have potential,” said Thompson. “Query looks to be a little ahead offensively, but it’s a lot to ask of a 14-year-old to catch a guy like Ward.”
The Wonder infield will contain familiar faces, but they’ll be in new places. Petty, usually the shortstop last season, will man third when he’s not pitching.
Veteran sparkplug Matt Harris, who usually played second last year, will slide over to short. Harris lacks the cannon arm of Petty, who is capable of spectacular plays, but Thompson is leaning toward the diminutive Harris’ steadiness on the routine stuff.
“Last season we swung the bats well and our pitching was good, but defense cost us,” said Thompson, whose squad finished tied for fourth in the old SPC. “If we’d played solid defense we’d have made the playoffs.”
Thompson would like for Maher or Brett Bartles to take over at first with last year’s first sacker Smith moving to right field to replace graduated JoshLee. Graham’s another possibility at first if Maher and Bartles struggle.
Brett Stirewalt, a smooth little guy in the mold of Harris, is the likely second baseman. He got varsity experience late last season.
Thompson says he has four starting outfielders in speedster Tyson Fink, the switch-hitting Smith, Graham and RyanPetty, Andrew’s younger brother. All can play, so the outer defense is in good shape even when Graham pitches. The odd man out in the foursome may serve as the designated hitter.
Versatile soph Andrew Mead changes the Wonders’ depth situation because he can literally play anywhere. If someone goes cold or goes down, Mead will step in.
“With Mead we have more depth,” said Thompson. “That makes me more confident, because things usually happen.”
Harris will be at the top of Thompson’s lineup card, with Stirewalt (or Mead) in the No. 2 spot. Andrew Petty, Smith, Graham and Fink will follow in the RBI slots. It will be difficult to replace Lee’s left-handed power and departed Wally Tuttle’s steady RBI bat, but the Wonders have good team speed. They won’t hit tons of homers, but should have enough pop to produce a parade of doubles.
Two seasons ago, the Wonders missed a playoff spot when they lost to West Rowan in a play-in game. Last season, they were close again — in the driver’s seat for a berth until the final week. Again, West nudged them out.
This year, they find themselves in a newly aligned 3A North Piedmont Conference which contains East Rowan (No. 4 in the state) and another good West squad. And Thompson warns not to overlook Northwest Cabarrus.
“When people talk about possible playoff teams, we should be mentioned in that discussion,” said Thompson. “We’ll take everyone’s best shot, but that’s what you want. If we make the routine plays on defense, we’ll be fine.”
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Contact Mike London at 704-797-4259 or mlondon@salisburypost.com
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