Sports
Cyclones aiming to go far with strong arms and team attitude
The Moraine Valley Community College baseball team has the arms and talent to make some noise in the 2018-19 season.
A healthy, strong pitching core and team-focused mentality are the keys to getting the 2018-19 Cyclones further than they’ve gone in years.
College athletes see professionals receive individual accolades for making the big plays or getting the game-changing hits. But the way to win games is by working together and having a team-first attitude, according to Head Coach Hugh Dennehy, who is in his third season leading the program.
“They’re not used to a team-first attitude because of what they see today from the pros. Instead they need to buy into team-first baseball. Everyone can help each other. Everyone wants accolades, but it’s not happening here. We’ll keep emphasizing the team,” he said.
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In addition to getting this crew to think of the bigger picture, Dennehy has a strong pitching staff, nearly all of whom can throw around 90 mph. He expects big things from returning pitchers Brett Smith (Shepard), Ryan Czajowski (Argo) and Richie Kiernicki (Nazareth Academy) and newcomer southpaw Timothy Dobrik (Sandburg). All are throwing high velocity heat and should keep the Cyclones in many games.
Infield returners Thomas Moran (Chicago Christian) and Phillip Hyland (Hinsdale South) and newcomers Stephen Insley (St. Rita), Nate Villagomez (Reavis) and Brenden Butler (Oak Lawn) are slated to be a strong defensive force on the field.
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Other returners include Joseph Martin (Evergreen Park), who will be helpful in the designated hitter spot, and Gilbert Jaime-Baez (Puerto Rico), a talented utility player.
With the return of pitching Coach Mike Hooker, addition of catching Coach Seth Webb, strong arms and a high baseball IQ among players, the Cyclones have the right pieces to go far. Their number one goal is to earn an elusive conference championship and compete in region playoffs. The biggest concern is staying healthy and cooperating weather.
“If we can execute team baseball, score runs, stay healthy and our pitchers stay in it, we should win more games than last year. We’re more versatile and flexible on the field, and we should be good. I have a good group, and we’re going to get some wins,” Dennehy said. “We want to put Moraine Valley on the map. Let’s take one thing at a time. We worked hard in the offseason, and the guys are hungry to play ball.”
