Here’s a halftime report on the Niagara Power, 11 games above .500 going into Sunday’s visit to Wellsville and the best record in the entire New York State Collegiate League:
Pitching – General factotum Cal Kern’s annual March moan: “We could use a couple more pitchers.” Who’s he want, Verlander and Schwerzer? Led by Brandon “Hurry Up” Mumaw and Nathan Robinson, the Power staff, gets it done and in short order. The heavy load of makeup double-headers has worked in Niagara’s favor; the seven-inning games lighten the load on middle relief, which can from time to time be a little shaky, as witness the 7-0 lead blown vs. Genesee. Nick Campe closes with a flourish and sometimes a few frights. Grade: A-minus.
Infield – A half-dozen solid infielders don’t make the spectacular plays of some seasons past, but even on Sal Maglie Stadium’s corduroy surface, difficult chances seem routine, with Caleb “The Digger” Thomas, putting his Colorado School of Mines classwork to use. Grade: B-plus.
Outfield – While wing play occasionally brings a shudder, Power outfielding has been generally solid, anchored by the returning Caleb Lang, who commands centerfield with DiMaggian authority, hits solidly and, even from the three-hole, drops bunts with the skill of a Rickey Henderson. Grade: A-minus.
Catching – The Bills should be blessed with two receivers as solid as Jessep Polk and Damon DeJesus. While neither hits for the big average, both have delivered game-bending gappers. Polk is particularly adept at tracking pop fouls, sometimes reducing a starter’s load. Grade: A-minus.
Managing – Josh Rebandt has developed into the Walter Alston of the NYCBL, with a smallball strategy well-suited to the Power’s hitting proclivities, which do NOT include a lot of three-run homers. On occasion it goes a bit too far reaching for bases out of the grasp, but this enhances a daredevil spirit which fosters team unity. A skipper for the ages. Grade: A, and for the staff, too.
Umpiring – For years, the NYCBL relied on fledging officials fresh out of umpire school. Now, most of the men in blue hail locally, yet there’ve been few gripes from visiting teams. Each is well-skilled in game control. Even big scoring games finish quickly. Disconnect the pitch clock. Grade: B-plus.
Support group – It hasn’t been easy for the Power financially. At least two big sponsors basically retired, although a couple more have stepped up. Crowds have been steady and most stay right to the end, but this team, and organization, deserve more. City of Niagara Falls has pitched in to get some games played, but unilaterally canceled others on sunny days. This can NOT go on if the team is to remain here. Grade: C.
Up this week, huge games with prime contenders. No non-scholastic ballteam has ever carried Niagara colors so quickly out of the gate. The Barber Shop should be jumpin’. But will it?
Signal back to Base Paths via pollyndoug@hotmail.com
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