When Joey Gerbus joined the team after finishing up the JV basketball season, the Wildcat coaches were unsure of what they were getting. After two weeks of practice, the 6'1 sophomore has found himself in the thick of the pitching rotation as well as the main suitor for the 2nd base job when Austin Cahill pitches. Over the course of those two weeks, Gerbus showed tremendous baseball knowledge and enthusiasm that was certainly felt throughout the rest of the program. Defensively, Gerbus displayed solid hands and a strong arm. Offensively, he has a quick swing that could end up being an important bat for the Wildcats this year. However, on the mound is where Gerbus may prove to be most effective this year. The right hander showed exceptional command of both sides of the plate with his fastball as well as a good curveball. His increase in velocity over the past two weeks was also noted by the coaching staff.

As the second week ended, the rest of the pitching staff also saw a noticable increase in velocity. Ryan Whitt, Austin Cahill, Jordan Girdler, and freshman Hayden Parker all saw their fastballs make a big increase from before as their arms continue to get in shape for the season. With opening day approaching us sooner than later, the Wildcats will need all of their arms to be in top condition for the grind of the season. The pitching staff will also be looking forward to the additions of seniors Marcus Frey and Luke Steimle. Both players will be joining the baseball team after the Wildcats basketball season was completed this past Saturday. With both of them (as well as four others) looking to finish their high school careers on a high note, the Wildcats baseball program will continue their hard work on fulfilling that desire. As the temperatures warm up, the Wildcats will likely move outside for some pre-season intrasquad games. Now that the entire roster is present, the squad will increase the intensity of their quest for a 2015 CHL Championship.