43
Springfield faces Newark Cath. Friday
Photo
Infielder Bryan Visingardi practices with the team during practice at Springfield High School on Tuesday evening.
Photo
Pitcher/Outfielder, Travis Richey, makes takes some time for batting practice during practice at Springfield High School on Tuesday evening.
Photo
Pitcher, Todd Kibby, runs the bases during practice at Springfield High School on Tuesday evening.
By Tom Williams
The state-bound Springfield High baseball team of New Middletown has Inter Tri-County League Tier One champion Columbiana to thank for its inspiration.
In mid-April, Columbiana posted victories over the Tigers by scores of 6-3 and 4-3.
“We just knew we were a better team,” said second baseman Frank Sferra, one of Springfield’s seven seniors. “They got into our heads and they played hard. They don’t make mistakes. We just knew that we had to do that, too.”
The teams met again on May 21, this time at Cene Park in the Division IV district final. In round three, Springfield, 5-3, send the Tigers to the Lorain regional for the second straight year.
Last weekend in the rain-delayed regional, the Tigers walloped Crestline 12-0, then held on for a dramatic 3-2 victory over Lake Center to earn the school’s first state semifinal berth since 1994.
Friday at 10 a.m., Springfield will play Newark Catholic (20-10) in the new Huntington Park, located adjacent to Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.
“Losing to Columbiana twice was really a wake-up call that we can’t just walk through every game,” said Springfield senior pitcher Todd Kibby, who’s 9-1 this season. “We’ve got to play every game to the best of our abilities and to not look forward to anybody or look down on anyone.”
Kibby called the win over the Clippers a pivotal moment.
“That was a big lift, knowing that they had beaten us two times,” Kibby said. “We knew that we had to be solid defensively because we knew both teams were going to hit the ball.”
Sferra said last year’s regional experience paid dividends.
“We were just confident. “Last year, we came in [to the regional] and we didn’t know what it was like so we weren’t really expecting to win.
“This year, from the beginning of the season we were focused on getting here and making it to Columbus.”
Springfield coach Bob Beam agreed that his team had learned a valuable lesson.
“Last year was our first time being in [a regional final],” Beam said. “You know, I think it got to us a little bit. [This time] we were relaxed.”
And experienced.
Beam estimates that his four-year players (Kibby, Sferra, third baseman-pitcher Bryan Visingardi, pitcher-center fielder Travis Richey and catcher Erik Birmingham) have “won like 94 games since their freshman year.
“They’ve worked so hard to get to where they are at,” Beam said.
Kibby said the setbacks to the Clippers were eye openers.
“We had this goal in mind all year and we’ve just looked forward to it,” Kibby said of finishing at state.
After those losses, Kibby said, “the seniors just took [a leadership] role and we’re where we want to be right now.
Asked to assess his teammates, Kibby said, “Few errors all year. They make the routine plays when needed.
“Our defense is what won us this game,” Kibby said after the victory over Lake Center game. “Pitching, all I have to do is go up there and throw the ball and put it in play. I know my defense will be there behind me to back me up.”
Visingardi, who will play baseball and kick for the football team next year at Slippery Rock State University, said Kibby’s value is tremendous.
“He’s one of our two best pitchers,” said Visingardi who also pitches. “He’s always fun to be around, a pleasure to be with.”
Richey, the Tigers’ other starter, said, “He’s just a really good pitcher, that’s all I can say.
“He’s our number one and I just feel real comfortable with him up there because you know he is going to pitch his heart out.”
Richey started Saturday’s win against Crestline before giving way to Visingardi and Kibby.
He could start Friday but Beam is leaning toward Kibby.
“We’re both going to be ready for it,” Richey said. “We might split the first game, he might start.”
The Tigers will be the first Valley team to play in the new home of Columbus Clippers.
“I’ve not seen it yet but some people are saying it’s completely awesome,” Richey said. “This is going to be one of the best experiences of our lives.”
williams@vindy.com
SEE ALSO: Team has confidence in coach.