Baseball
Northeast Indiana Baseball’s Junior Class: Bishop Dwenger Saints
Our look at the most promising junior baseball players in Northeast Indiana continues. Today we look at the Bishop Dwenger Saints. Dwenger went 23-9 last year and knocked off Leo to win the Garrett Sectional. This year they bring back a group of juniors, which includes their top run-producer from last year. But it also includes athletes who were not everyday starters, but did show promise on the field.
Jeremy Haynes: Shortstop/First Baseman/Third Baseman/Pitcher:
Jeremy Haynes was Bishop Dwenger’s leading run-producer and power-hitter as a sophomore. He drove in 22 runs, and hit three home runs. He also hit seven doubles and three triples. Haynes did all that while batting .349 on the season.
“I’ve improved a lot [as a hitter]. The coaches do a great job of finding the tools we need to get better everyday,” Haynes said.
Haynes was also one of the Saints’ best pitchers. He pitched 24 innings, had a 1.46 earned run average, and struck out 20 hitters in his time on the mound. Haynes was able to limit the walks as well. He only walked nine hitters all season.
“I think my changeup’s been my best pitch overall,” Haynes said. “Coach [Steve] Devine works every day with pitch grips and flat grounds to make sure we’re ready for the game.”
Sam Musselman: Second Baseman
Last year, Sam Musselman had 20 varsity plate appearances, where he hit .467 and drove in four runs. That was after making the move from Dwenger’s JV team.
“I improved a lot. I started off the year at JV and they really developed me into becoming good hitter for varsity last year.
Even though Musselman played just eleven games, he proved to be a very reliable second baseman. He fielded his position well with an .857 fielding percentage and only two errors committed. Musselman credits his fielding success to his quick hands and accurate throwing ability.
Musselman also proved to be a reliable base-runner. In the varsity experience he got, he stole five bases. Since Dwenger baseball is known for success, it’s no surprise that good base-running is something their coaches emphasize.
“How we run bases is good, and we practice it a lot, and the coaches work hard with us on running bases, so that helps,” Musselman said.
RJ Davidson: Outfielder/Pitcher
RJ Davidson played in eight games as a sophomore. In that time he had a .214 batting average and drove in two runs. In those eight games, Davidson also stole a base.
“I feel like I’m just a quick runner on the bases, and I can get the bat to the ball,” Davidson said. “I’m trying to work on not striking out as much, but that’s been something we’ve worked with in the offseason with this team.”
There’s a chance Davidson will get to pitch as well. He’s been working on various pitches, particularly, his changeup and his fastball.
“I’ve really worked on my off-speed [pitch] and grips … with Coach Devine, they do a really good job here, and that’s why I like coming here to Dwenger,” Davidson said. “But I’ve really worked on my two-seam [fastball] … and getting velocity up.”
So far, Davidson has played the outfield well in his time at Dwenger. Last year, he had a fielding percentage of 1.000. He continues to improve as an outfielder.
“We work constantly day-in, day-out just working on our reads in the outfield, making sure we make clean throws, clean catches, and getting to the ball when we need to,” Davidson said.
Parker Tone: Catcher/First Baseman/Third Baseman
Parker Tone played in 22 games last year. He hit .190 and had five runs batted in.
“I’d say I’m developing … really well this year,” Tone said. “We really focus on hitting in the cages and on the field during practice, so I’d say I’m really getting up there in the hitting and really dialing it in for the season.”
Tone also has some pitching experience. Last year, he finished with 12 strikeouts, three walks, and a 4.45 ERA. He credits his fastball as one of his best pitches.
“I’ve definitely gained a lot of [velocity] since I’ve came to Dwenger, and we work a ton on pitching, so I’ve really improved on that,” Tone said. “But also, my changeup, [has] gained a lot of movement as well, so I’d say those two are probably my top two”.
At this point, Tone does see himself pitching as a reliever. But he is also focused on playing catcher.
“I’d say in the future, definitely a lot more as a reliever as the role of the catcher has really opened up, so that’s where I’d see myself in the future,” Tone said.
Tone does have experience playing catcher. He continues to develop under Dwenger’s coaching staff.
“I’m definitely well adjusted to it. I’ve been working on it pretty much my whole life throughout summer ball, and high school ball especially,” Tone said. “The coaches around here; Coach Brad [Brown], Coach [Greg] Slee who just joined this year; they do a lot of work developing the catchers, so I feel like I’m well-developed at that position.”
The Saints play their season opener today against Homestead. Like the Saints, the Spartans won their sectional last year. They are already 3-1 this year.
“We’re expecting a good one. It’s supposed to be a good game,” Haynes said. “They’re a well-taught group, and we’re just going out there to battle.”
“We want to prepare ourselves, but we feel like we’re well-prepared and we’re expecting to bring a good challenge to them as well,” Tone said.
