Tiger pitcher burns bright

By Ryan Jones

Springfield senior Todd Kibby has some unfinished business before he begins his college career at Bowling Green.

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Plays made during the fourth inning of a 21-2 high school baseball game are for the most part, forgettable.

But the second out of the frame — a diving catch in foul territory along the first baseline by Springfield’s first baseman — was another memorable play in Todd Kibby’s stellar career.

The 6-foot-3 left-handed ace played first base in Springfield’s victory over Chaney as the Tigers scored 11 first inning runs and never looked back.

Springfield coach Bob Beam said Kibby is the best player he’s coached in his 12 years with the Tigers.

“He plays the game the right way,” Beam said. “That catch in the fourth inning is what makes him so good. Whether it’s a one-run game or a 10-run game he approaches it with the same passion.”

Kibby, who has signed a letter of intent to continue his career at Bowling Green State University, said there’s no secret to the way he plays.

“I just try to do my best every play of every game,” he said.

Recruited by Youngstown State and handful of other smaller Division I colleges, Kibby said right Bowling Green felt right from the first visit.

“I visited twice and it was the best fit for me,” he said. “They offered me the most in terms of scholarships and I enjoyed my time there.”

He’ll play first base and outfield for the Falcons, but Kibby will make his biggest impact on the mound.

“He’s a power pitcher,” Beam said. “He throws hard and he’s left handed, which intrigues a lot of scouts and coaches. When the Kansas City Royals worked him out he consistently hit 85 on the radar gun and when Bowling Green was here, he was in the 87-88 [mph] range. He’s really durable; the only game I pulled him was last year’s regional final. Every other start was a complete game.”

Kibby said his approach to pitching isn’t dictated by the game or the opponent.

“I always start with my strengths and try to execute my plan,” he said. “And then the second time through the order I make adjustments to the hitters’ weaknesses.”

Beam said Kibby’s instincts separate him from many good players he’s coached.

“He’s always in the right spot in the field or on the bases,” Beam said. “He has a feel for the game and that isn’t something you can coach. He knows how to react to what the game or situation brings. No matter where we put him — pitcher’s mound, first base outfield — he always handles it well.”

Last season Kibby led Springfield to its first regional appearance since 1993 by tossing a no-hitter against McDonald in the Division IV district final at Cene Park.

In their next game the Tigers beat New Washington Buckeye Central before losing 7-0 to Gates Mills Gilmour Academy in the regional final.

“Making it to regional last year was great,” Kibby said. “We want to make our way back there again. But our first goal is to win the league [ITCL Tier One].”

With a strong lineup and a fast start (7-0) the Tigers appear to be on their way to league crown.

Travis Ritchey, the Tigers’ No. 2 starter and shortstop, is headed to Hiram College where he will play baseball and second base. Frank Sferra has plans to follow Ritchey there.

Third basemen Bryan Visingardi, who was a standout punter on the football team, will play both sports at Slippery Rock University.

“Our goals are the same every year,” Beam said. “It always starts with the ITCL. Then we focus on districts, and if we get past districts … whatever happens we can live with.”