GRANITEQUARRY — East Rowan hasn’t finished lower than second in its conference since 1992, has made the state playoffs 10 straight years and won an incredible 80 percent of its games (212-53) during that time frame.
Still, there’s rare uncertainty in the air in Granite Quarry this spring because of legal issues involving the coach who’s been the architect of all that success — Jeff Safrit.
“It’s a distraction, no doubt,” said East assistant Derry Steedley, who will team with veteran Guy Wirt to guide the Mustangs in Safrit’s absence. “We miss having Jeff out here. We just want things to get back to normal as soon as possible. But having senior leaders like Cal Hayes Jr. and Drew Davis makes things a little easier.”
This would be an unusual season at East even without the coaching confusion.
Not since Safrit’s Mustang machines of the mid-90s (East won it all in 1995) has a Rowan team returned so many players that have such gaudy stats, résumés and reputations.
“Expectations are high,” admitted Steedley. “We’ve got a lot of kids who have played a lot of ball and are known throughout the county.”
This year’s seniors aren’t just known, they’re good. They started copping state titles when they were 10-year-olds.
Neither shortstop Hayes (UNC signee) nor catcher Davis (Elon) has ever been county player of the year, but both four-year starters are among the finest ever to pass this way at their positions.
In fact, the Mustangs boast half the eight returning all-county players. Davis (.386, 22 RBIs) and Hayes (.395, 26 steals) will be joined by lefty pitcher Julian Sides (5-3, 3 saves, 1.98 ERA) and center fielder Nick Lefko (.354, 20 RBIs).
Then there’s third baseman/pitcher Bobby Parnell (.310), who has already signed with Charleston Southern, and lefty pitcher/slugger Spencer Steedley (Derry’s son) who’ll likely be drawing crowds of Division I coaches next season.
And don’t forget that young right-hander Jason Cauble (4-0, 1.81) was terrific whenever his number was called last spring or that two talented young lefties, Tyler Morgan and Jacob Cooper, impressed all summer in American Legion ball.
As did young second baseman Michael Gegorek.
Questions? There aren’t many, except those of a positive nature.
As in how the heck are the Mustangs going to find gainful employment for all those hurlers?
“What’s really unusual for a high school staff is that we have four left-handers,” said Steedley. “But having all these pitchers will help us, especially until the weather gets warm. We’ll spread things around, keep everyone fresh and find out who can get the job done.”
When it gets down to 3A North Piedmont Conference play, the Mustangs, ranked fourth in the state, will rely primarily on Spencer Steedley (3-2, 2.77 ERA) and Sides as starters. Parnell, unhittable when he throws strikes, will be the closer.
The lineup is loaded at the top and will be positively lethal if new faces come through at the bottom.
Hayes, who has scored 79 runs in 79 prep games, is the consummate leadoff man. He has extra-base power and is swift enough to circle the bases on a gapper. He puts enormous pressure on opposing defenses, who know a mistake with him on the move means a run.
Steedley, a lefty hitter, will bat second in a move that serves several purposes. Steedley (.358, 19 RBIs) figures to receive a steady diet of fastballs from pitchers worried about Hayes stealing on slow stuff. He’ll also have a huge right-side hole to shoot for when first basemen are holding Hayes on.
Steedley will play some left field and will man first base when Sides pitches.
Davis (49 career RBIs) has muscled up since last year and should hit for power out of the No. 3 hole.
“Drew’s gonna surprise people,” said Steedley. “He hit two homers in scrimmages.”
Lefko, Sides — who plays first flawlessly — and Parnell will bat 4-5-6 in the order.
After that, there are several possible scenarios. Junior outfielder Matt Miller has speed and may be an ideal No. 9 hitter. Brent Jones and soph Caleb Kluttz will also get a shot at regular outfield duty.
Other players to watch include Taylor Osborne, backup catcher Nathan DeBoe and sophomore Garrett Safrit, Jeff’s son who is bidding for time at second base.
Tyler Poole, who broke his arm last season, can help out at a number of positions. He has catching skills and can play third when Parnell is needed on the mound.
All in all, it’s a tremendously talented team and one that has the experience and arms to make a run for the conference title — and perhaps much, much more.
“The kids do have high goals, but we haven’t done a thing on the field yet,” said Steedley. “To go a long way you can’t just be good. You also have to get the breaks.”
True, but this is a potential steamroller that could do on the diamond exactly what West Rowan has done on the basketball court.
If it can move past the distractions.
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Contact Mike London at 704-797-4259 or mlondon@salisburypost.com
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