The 1968 frosh baseball team was expected to be one of the better freshman teams the school has had. Though lacking somewhat in power, the Frosh hoped to make up for it with their fine pitching, speed, and defense. Playing a thirty-four game schedule this year, the frosh should have acquired the experience to be able to make the jump to JV or varsity ball next year (TheDon).
The Frosh, who participate in the Bay Area Freshman League, will play a Dodger type of baseball. They will rely almost exclusively on speed, pitching, and defense. The hit-and-run will be one of their most formidable offensive weapons. Not having much power, Coach Moore hopes to win the close ones with execution and pitching. Position by position, the Frosh should line up this way: catching will be Dave Prater (Poly-SF), and Tom O'Connell (Sacred Heart). Prater was second team All-City last year and is expected to help the hitting attack this year. First base is held down by big Lou Landini (St. Ignatius). Lou was All-City also last year and the team's only real power hitter. Second base will be handled by either Greg Wyman (Riordan), or Larry Jones (Pleasant Hill). Both Jones, who made All-League last year, and Wyman will also play the outfield. Over at shortstop are smooth fielding Mike Buskey (Terra Nova), and Steve Giannecchini (Ukiah). Anchoring the infield at third base will be Mike Barrett (Ojai). Shifting to the outfield, speedy flychasers are Leon Monroe (San Diego), Bill Garcia (Hawaii), and Mel Cooper (Ukiah). Turning to pitching, the Frosh have a wealth of talent here. The corps of hurlers is led by big right hander Mike Redling (Pleasant Hill), and southpaw Dana Hendershott (Santa Cruz). Redling, currently playing Frosh basketball, is considered a fine pro prospect, having been drafted by the Chicago Cubs last year. Rounding out the staff are lefty Jim Regan (St. Ignatius), and right hander Tim Galli (Pittsburg, CA). Playing a 34 game schedule, the Frosh should get plenty of good experience this year, and according to Coach Moore play tough in their league. Support from the school in general and the class of 1971 in particular, would help them a lot (TheFoghorn).
