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DATE FOR FINAL 8 BERTH
Tigers try to stay cool in spotlight
By BOB ETTINGER
NEW MIDDLETOWN
The Springfield High School baseball team is approaching today’s Division IV regional game against Mathews as just another game.
“Last year, we got [to regional] and we weren’t as mentally tough as we needed to be,” Tigers head coach Terry Dobson said Wednesday. “Basically, I worked with them more on the mental game.
“We take it one game at a time,” Dobson said. “Every game is important, every game is special. We never talked about winning the conference, or getting to the district, the regional or making it to state.
“I try to keep them mentally grounded.”
Today’s game is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Strongsville High School. Dobson because of weather concerns, the time and venue could change.
A final decision is expected today by 10 a.m.
“I told the boys about it so they wouldn’t be surprised,” Dobson said. “We have to be ready to play at any place at any time.”
The Tigers (25-3) will start Brannon Brungard in center field, John Slike at second base and Mitchell Seymour in right field.
The lineup also includes Chris Thompson at first base or pitcher, Clayton Nezbeth in left field, Drew Clark at shortstop or pitcher, Shane Eynon at first base or pitcher, Jarrett Orbin at catcher and Nick Slike at third base.
Reserves include Ryan McFadden, Noah Barrett and Aaron Groner.
“I’m most proud of how they’ve bonded together and bought in,” Dobson said. “I’ve been a lot tougher on them than I have been in the past because I’ve seen their potential.
“They’re a tight group,” Dobson said. “From top to bottom, they’re a tight group. They really care for each other. That’s what makes coaching fun.
“I’ve told them, when they’re done and they come back, I want them to look me in the eye. They don’t have to thank me or anything, but I want them to tell me they had a good time.”
Approaching the game as any other is important to Dobson and the Tigers. They want to handle the things they can control.
“We talk about it,” Dobson said. “I ask them what we’re doing this week. They tell me we’re playing Mathews.
“I ask them if it’s an important game and they tell me it’s important. I ask if it’s special and they say no.
“I ask them how we’re going to play and they tell me the right way. We have to focus on the task at hand. They’ve bought in to that.
“People have asked if they could buy us dinner or do some different things for us and I turn it down. You’ve got to earn everything you get. We haven’t won anything yet.”