Poland pitcher passes the test

By ROBERT J. FUSCO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
IS NUMBERS ARE IMPRESSIVE.
But John Hay isn't about numbers. The Poland High senior pitcher just wants to play baseball.
He just wants to enjoy his senior year and play baseball with his friends.
"This has been a great year for us," said Hay, who is one of 10 seniors on the Bulldogs' roster. "We have been playing together since we were kids and we've been friends forever.
"The potential is really high right now and it's still growing."
Poland (23-3) earned a berth in the Division II regional semifinals against Canton Central Catholic (29-1) Friday at 2 p.m. at Cene Park. The last time Poland reached the state semifinals in baseball was 20 years ago.
"It would be a great way to cap off our careers at Poland with a trip to Columbus," Hay said, referring to the senior class. "We've been through a lot together."
Good numbers
Hay's numbers are quite impressive -- a 6-0 record this spring, a school-record 20 career wins, a 35 score on the ACT and 1530 on the SAT.
Add them together and you earn a chancellor's scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.
"I'm glad all my hard work in high school is paying off, both on and off the field," said Hay, who is also a 4.0 student and class valedictorian. "The test scores help a lot with scholarship money."
Pitt was one of many schools interested in signing Hay.
"I looked at a lot of schools and there were a lot of factors I considered when making my decision," Hay said. "Pitt is a big school, an urban school, with a good baseball program and it's close to home. And when I was offered a chancellor's scholarship, that made it a great deal for me."
Hay is undecided on a major, but is leaning toward something English related.
"They have one of the best liberal arts programs in the country," Hay said.
He also plans on pursuing his baseball career at Pitt.
"I'm going to go in there and do the best I can and hopefully I can earn some playing time my first year," said Hay, who has played some outfield while at Poland, but will probably only pitch at Pitt.
Strong pitcher
Poland coach Steve Rohan feels Hay is one of the best pitchers in the area.
"There's a lot of schools who missed the boat on this kid," Rohan said of Hay. "He's throwing in the mid-80s and if you could add a couple miles onto his fastball, you've found a gem.
"Pitt is getting a great individual, not only as an athlete, but as a student as well," Rohan said. "He will raise the team's GPA."
In fact, before Chaney pushed across two unearned runs in the top of the sixth inning in the district semifinal, Hay went 28 innings over four starts without allowing a run.
"For a high school pitcher to do that is unthinkable," Rohan said of the streak. "There are so many factors a pitcher can't control, but he's able to adjust."
Hay, who was 5-2 as a sophomore and 9-1 as a junior, is not one to shy away from a challenge.
"I've taken a lot of tough courses, but they're all interesting to me," said Hay, who, according to Rohan, takes the toughest courses Poland has to offer.
He's faced many challenges on the diamond this spring, but his biggest challenge may be the pressure he puts upon himself.
"I really don't worry about the other team," Hay said of his pregame preparations. "I'm concentrating more on how I'm warming up and am I locating my pitches. If I'm throwing well in practice, then I usually throw well in the game."
Big game player
Rohan said Hay is at his best in the big games.
"When he's locked in, you're not going to touch him," the Poland coach said. "He's able to throw his fastball, curveball and changeup for strikes. Not many high school seniors can do that.
"He gears himself for big games and knows what he has to do both before and during the games. He doesn't get rattled out there. He wants the ball in his hands in those situations."
If he does struggle, Hay knows he has a safety net.
"It's really nice to have the defense and offense behind you that we have here," Hay said of his teammates. "I know if I'm struggling, the offense and defense will pick me up."
Hay also has the luxury of having his father, pitching coach Jack Hay, in the dugout.
"He calls a good game," John said of his father, who has worked with him since he starting playing baseball as a youngster. "He's always been there for me. It's great having him in the dugout."
bfusco@vindy.com