Shining C's

A roster stocked with proven seniors bodes well for resurgent Chiefs

BY ED WRIGHT
April 8, 2010, 1:55 p.m.

  Following a two-decades-long championship drought that stretched from 1989-2008, Canton's baseball program has been drenched by success the past two seasons.
 
  With a roster loaded with experienced contributors who played key roles in the Chiefs' back-to-back District championships in 2008 and 2009, this year's outlook calls for a good chance of "reign."

  "The kids worked hard during the off-season and we have a lot of seniors," said third-year head coach Mark Blomshield, whose team finished 25-12 last year and came within a run of knocking off Birmingham Brother Rice in a Division 1 Regional final contest. "Our strengths will be pitching and defense."

  Canton's pitching corps will be led by four-year varsity player Kevin Delapaz, a Bowling Green State University-bound southpaw who compiled a 10-0 record and 1.29 earned run average as a junior.

  "Along with being a great pitcher, Kevin has a great competitive attitude," said Blomshield. "He's 17-1 the past two years, so he knows how to pitch."

  When Delapaz isn't on the mound, the slick-hitting captain will usually be patrolling center field.

  Canton's starting rotation will also be bolstered by seniors Andrew Tidwell and Ben Staley, both of whom racked up sterling stats as juniors. Tidwell, the team's closer in 2009, baffled opposing batters last spring with his unique side-arm delivery and pin-point control, while Staley can bring some serious heat.

  The pitching staff's primary target will be three-year starting catcher Seth Tschetter, a junior who wields a dangerous bat and quick-release arm.

  The meat of the Chiefs' batting order will include seniors Joey Galanty and Cody Blakita, a couple of sweet-swinging corner infielders who are capable of updating the scoreboard with one swing of their aluminum bats.

  The second-base duties will be handled capably by sophomore Ryan Bazner and junior Bernabie Salinas, a transfer from Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Bazner will also see time on the mound.

  Blomshield is confident junior Chris Perkovich will solidify the all-important shortstop position.

  "Chris is very sound defensively," Blomshield said.

  Tidwell will see a lot of time at third base when he's not pitching. Junior Sean Harte, who also pitches, will also play the hot corner.

  Left field is the most hotly contested position on the diamond for the Chiefs, Blomshield revealed.

  "We have a lot of juniors battling for playing time in left," said Blomshield. "I'm looking for someone to step up and take it over. Whoever gets hot with the bat is going to be playing a lot."

  Among the left-field candidates are Garrett Bryden, Angelo Lanava, Jason Lynch, Mark Main and Rocky Willette.

  Lynch will also serve as Tschetter's back-up behind the dish and Willette can also play the infield.

  Delapaz will be the Chiefs' primary center fielder while Staley and Carter Staffeld will split time patrolling right field.

  Junior Art Chavez will double as a relief pitcher and designated hitter.

  The team's lone freshman is lefty Michael Stafford, an up-and-coming pitcher who has shown early signs of brilliance, Blomshield said.

  The Chiefs open their 2010 slate Friday against Oak Hills in Cincinnati, Ohio.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.