In the first practice following a 6-1, eight-inning loss to Serra High School on March 1, the Los Gatos High School baseball team impressed its coach, Mike Minkel.
“The Serra game we had five errors—four of those throwing errors,” he said. “So the first thing we incorporated in the next practice was going through a drill series sequence where they had to run it through perfectly. Anytime we made a mistake, we’d start from the beginning.”
After a long stretch, the coaching staff eventually had to pull the players off the field.
“It was a testament to the players and how they play the game,” Minkel said. “It was a pretty intense practice and they loved every second of it. It was surprising to me because we weren’t doing anything out of punishment. We just wanted to emphasize how important it is to play catch and stress the basic fundamentals, because they have such a drastic impact on the scoreboard. Ever since, we’ve been much better at taking care of the baseball.”
Of that, there is no doubt. Los Gatos entered this week’s play with a 5-1 record, recording victories over traditional powers Aptos and Santa Teresa in the process. The Wildcats are the two-time defending Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division champions, having gone 24-4 during that time. They traditionally have a team that can contend with any of the top West Catholic Athletic League squads, and this year is no exception.
It starts with a top-notch pitching corps, which has been nothing short of sensational this season. Senior Matt Ludeman had eight strikeouts over 2 ⅔ innings in a 7-4 win over Santa Teresa on March 6, a display of power and quality stuff.
“Matt has come back this year and is throwing the ball a little harder,” Minkel said. “He’s sharpened up his off-speed stuff and is not shy about attacking the (strike) zone. He’s a guy who’s going to come right after you.”
Ethan Williams returns as one of the top juniors in the Central Coast Section. His sophomore season featured several dominant starts, and this year looks to be more of the same.
“Ethan Williams was exceptional for us last year as a sophomore, and he’s gotten even sharper this year,” Minkel said. “It’s always good when you have that coming back. He’s not a guy that’s going to overpower you; but he doesn’t have to, because his pitchability is off the charts. His knowledge of hitters—to read hitters and read swings and have a feel for all of his pitches in any count—is outstanding.”
Senior Tre Golino, a Cal Berkeley-commit, is expected to have a sizable impact this season. Similar to what then-senior Anthony Andrews did last year, Golino has the ability to start and close—a valuable asset to a team in search of its first CCS title since 2009.
“Tre can be a spot starter or close like he did versus Santa Teresa and slam the door for us,” Minkel said. “He’s got a live arm and is ready to take on a much larger role for us both in starting when we have those three-game weeks but also in high-leverage, end of the game situations when we need him to come in and slam the door.”
Gavin Seiler has produced some quality innings and Chase Oberthier has been a breakout performer.
“Each year we talk about there being one guy who comes out of nowhere and is a big bright spot, and Chase has been that guy for us,” Minkel said. “He’s got a very aggressive mentality but is very quiet by nature. I probably haven’t heard him say more than 20 words all year. But he has this alter ego when he gets on the mound where he’s just super intense and super competitive.”
In terms of position players, Minkel can’t think of a deeper and more balanced unit than his current roster.
Senior leadoff hitter/outfielder Zach Biller, a Willamette University-commit, has already made some highlight-reel catches while being an impact player offensively.
Lucas Carlisle, Brady Simon and Rowen Smith rank in the top three on the team in both batting average and on-base percentage. Simon, a junior center fielder, battled some nagging injuries last year, which limited his production. However, Simon has come on strong this season.
“For Brady, it’s just a matter of staying healthy,” Minkel said. “He’s very talented, knowledgeable and has a really good feel for the game. I don’t think he was ever quite fully healthy last year, but this year he’s gotten off to a hot start and is able to show what he’s capable of.”
Carlisle, a senior third baseman, has made an impact both offensively and defensively. Smith, a junior catcher, went 5-for-5 in the season-opener and hasn’t cooled down. Minkel has high praise for Smith’s catching prowess.
“Rowen is one of the better catchers I’ve ever had,” Minkel said. “He’s good at receiving and controlling the pitching staff, good at throwing, and exceptional at blocking balls. One of the best I’ve ever seen at this level for sure.”
Will Temple, Beau Musser and Justin Mazzaferro have all made valuable contributions in a variety of ways. Musser, a junior utility, had a spectacular football season last fall and looks to be equally impactful in baseball.
“Beau Musser is one of the players that make our offense go,” Minkel said. “He’s very energetic, very fast twitch, but never allows the emotion of the game to get too big for him. So, we’re excited to see what kind of offensive and defensive spark he provides for us. He’s a great addition to our ballclub.”
Mazzaferro is the youngest of three brothers to come through the LGHS baseball program. Capable of producing powerful swings, Mazzaferro can play a number of positions, including catcher, first base and the outfield.
Minkel said the depth and balance on the squad means he’s rarely putting together the same lineup two games in a row.
“In 17 years as a baseball coach, I’ve never had a team that was so deep from top to bottom,” he said. “I feel like I can put anyone in the lineup at any spot and really be competitive. We have a plethora of guys with experience and a great group who work really hard in practice.”
