Baseball Preview: Burroughs and Burbank Swing Into Action

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The two cross-town rivals will meet on April 24 and May 15 (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
The two cross-town rivals will meet on April 24 and May 15 (Photo by Ross A. Benson)
The two cross-town rivals will meet on April 24 and May 15 (Photo by Dick Dornan)

By Jim Riggio
Special to MyBurbank

Most high school programs go through their ups and downs, as players graduate and are sometimes difficult to replace. For the baseball teams at Burroughs and Burbank highs, both are fortunate to not be in the rebuilding phase. Many key players return from both teams which have high expectations.

Burroughs

The Indians return 15 varsity players to second-year coach Craig Sherwood’s squad. Burroughs went 14-14 overall and 7-7 in league last season.

Sherwood likes the depth his team has.

Burroughs senior class (Photo by Mitch Haddad)
Burroughs senior class (Photo by Mitch Haddad)

“I think we are consistent from one to nine in the order,” Sherwood said. “The question is will they be consistent. If someone stumbles, I have other guys who are ready to play. We don’t have a weak bench.”

Burroughs will rely on seniors right handers Danny Bustos and Thomas Wilson as well as junior right hander Jesse Galindo to get the majority of the starting assignments on the mound.

Ryan Galan has a very impressive off-season and become the everyday shortstop (Photo by Mitch Haddad)
Ryan Galan had a very impressive off-season and became the everyday shortstop (Photo by Mitch Haddad)

Juniors Kyle Nicol and Jason Whaley will also see lots of time in relief as the setup men.

Senior Max De Amicis, who will also see significant playing time in left field, is the Indians’ closer.

Senior Chris Peres is expected to be the starting first baseman and is backed up by senior Noah Hoed.

Max Haddad (rt) and Max DeAmicis (lt) must supply leadership for an experienced group of Indians (Photo by Mitch Haddad)
Max Haddad (rt) and Max DeAmicis (lt) must supply leadership for an experienced group of Indians (Photo by Mitch Haddad)

Senior Max Haddad, a second-team all-league selection last season at shortstop, has moved to second base. Senior Ryan Galan, who played second base a year ago, has taken Haddad’s place at shortstop. Haddad and Galan will be backed up by junior Tanner Whitlock.

Senior Brennan Brown and junior Omar Tejeda are expected hold down the third base position.

Senior Aidan Anding, who was injured much of last season, is expected to be the Indians’ leadoff hitter and starting center fielder. Anding had three hits and three stolen bases in Burroughs’ 7-6 season-opening win over Camarillo on Saturday.

“He’s an exciting player to watch,” Sherwood said.

Anthony Bocanegra makes one  of his spectacular catches in right field (Photo by Mitch Haddad)
Anthony Bocanegra makes one of his spectacular catches in right field (Photo by Mitch Haddad)

Senior Anthony Bocanegra, who started in center field last season, moves over to right field. Junior Jason Whaley and senior Kevin Navarro are also expected to compete for playing time in the outfield.

Behind the plate, Sherwood has seniors Roy Hirota and Tyler Lewis. Hirota started most games a year ago, but Sherwood said Lewis has greatly improved.

“It’s a dilemma,” Sherwood said. “They both can hit and throw. It’s a dogfight. You want to have guys competing for a job.”

Sherwood said he expects the Pacific League will be tough.

“Crescenta Valley with (Brian) Gadsby coming back, they have to be the favorite,” Sherwood said of the UCLA-bound pitcher, who quarterbacked his school to a CIF title in football last fall. “Burbank is also one of the favorites. They have lots of experience. We’re going to fight for a playoff spot.”

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Burbank

The Bulldogs are eager to improve from last season when they went 8-15 overall and 5-9 in league. Two years ago Burbank won a share of its first league title since 1991.

Coach Bob Hart, who is now in his 10th year, returns 11 varsity players and is looking forward to making big improvements.

Cameron Briggs will be plahying at UC Davis next season (Photo by Dick Dornan)
Cameron Briggs will be playing at UC Davis next season (Photo by Dick Dornan)

“We had a rough year last year, but we’ve worked very hard this year. I don’t think anyone has outworked us this offseason,” Hart said.

Burbank showed promise in a 4-1 loss to Chatsworth, which is generally the top team in the CIF Los Angeles City Section.

Hart said his team is facing injury issues as the seasons begins, but likes the depth of his team.

“Our pitching and defense is our strength,” he said. “We have a lot of guys that can (pitch). That will set us up for tournaments. We’re definitely an improved team.”

Burbank could use up to eight players on the mound.

Ryan Porras is the ace of the Bulldog staff (Photo by Dick Dornan)
Ryan Porras is the ace of the Bulldog staff (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Senior left hander Ryan Porras along with senior right hander Randy Higgens and junior lefty Garrett Dolan figure to get a bulk of the starting assignments on the mound.

Sophomore Danny Porras, who earned all-league honors as a freshman, is expected to start at first base. Junior Adrian Johnson, a transfer from Highland of Palmdale, is expected to take over at second base.

Senior Cameron Briggs, who has signed with UC Davis, is expected to play shortstop and could also contribute on the mound.

Higgens is expected to start at third base.

Senior Chandler Robbins, who has accepted an academic scholarship to DePaul University, is expected to start in left field.

Randy Higgens will be the cornerstone at third base (Photo by Dick Dornan)
Randy Higgens will be the cornerstone at third base (Photo by Dick Dornan)

Senior Alex Minnick, who also has pitching capabilities, is expected to play many innings in center field.

Senior Reece Loock is a strong candidate to get quality innings in right field.

Seniors Ozzy Dominguez and Jake Noud return as catchers.

The Bulldogs also have junior Fischer Cabot, who will pitch and play third base. Junior Jake Zedlar, a transfer from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, is a pitcher and outfielder.

Sophomore Henry Leake is a pitcher and second baseman who finished up for the Bulldogs in the game against Chatsworth.

Hart said he expects the Pacific League to be tough.

“The bottom of the league has gotten better,” he said. “I anticipate us being very competitive.”

Burroughs and Burbank will square off on April 24 and again on May 15.

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