Northern Valley CM’s Perfection Products of Experience and Attitude
By STEVE ALTHOUSE
The Northern Valley Chargers Senior Connie Mack team not only has talent, but through six games they are undefeated.
With a 5-3 victory over South Parkland last Friday night, coach Joey Seremula’s club served noticed they are formidable.
“Through our first games we have had a lot of impactful players,” Seremula said. “...I think we have a very talented team with a lot of depth at all position including on the mound.”
Most of that talent is experienced. Northern Lehigh is returning eight players from last year’s squad.
“On the field, Nick Buskirk has already played multiple positions for us this year,” the coach said. “On the mound, we have had great performances from Shaun O’Donnell, Bobby Croneberger and Josh Lichman.”
One of the reasons the Chargers are so hot this year is because of their on-base percentage. That stars with a simple mindset - get the bat on the ball.
“Everyone has been doing a good job putting the ball in play,” Seremula said. “Bobby has been hitting the ball extremely well to start the season, and Joshua Farber, and O’Donnell have been getting on base a lot.”
The Chargers have 19 young men but only 10 can play at one time. No athlete likes sitting on the bench, but sometimes that’s how it goes. Seremula likes that mindset.
“Having players from last year willing to sit and let others get a chance is a testament to attitude,” he said.
One player with attitude to get hits is Croneberger. Through four games he smacked nine hits in 15 at bats which included four doubles and two homeruns. Lichman carries also a big stick - five hits in nine at bats with three walks for a .667 on-base percentage. Joshua Farber has three base knocks in seven at bats and two walks for a .636 OBP.
The Chargers have arms also. Croneberger is a pitching stud kicking and firing eight innings surrendering two hits, two walks and registering seven Ks. Lichman has contributed with seven innings of two hits, one walk ball with 10 strikeouts.
“As a team some of our best traits are being willing to do what is asked of them from changing positions to sitting so others can get playing time,” Seremula said.
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