Baseball

Crean Lutheran baseball team battled for a CIF playoff berth

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Crean Lutheran High School’s baseball team, coached by Jake Haney, battled to the final week of the 2022 season and was in contention for a CIF playoff berth down to the final game. 

“They played hard for each other and ended the season 14-13-1 and 6-4 in the Empire League (tied for third place) and missed the playoffs due to a tie-breaker.”

This season, like many, was filled with ups and downs. We started the year playing well, but coming up short in a number of close games. The game that seemed to get us on track was an 8-3 victory over Canyon. We followed that up with a 12-4 win over a good Brea (Olinda) team, and we got rolling from there. Our best win of the year was a 1-0 win at Pacifica in our first Empire League game of the year.

“The toughness and perseverance this team showed was a result of the Romans 12:10 attitude our boys had. They played hard for each other.” Added, Coach Jake Haney.

Crean Lutheran was well represented on the all-Empire League teams. Alex Iida, Jack Sand and Mark Fedro made the first team. Andrew An, Bradly Cooper and James Derflinger made the second team.

Experienced Crean Lutheran baseball team has high hopes

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

Crean Lutheran High School’s baseball team, with 13 seniors, is looking for a successful season under Coach Jake Haney. “The real keys to this team are the buy-in they have in doing things the right way and the way they trust the guy next to them,” Haney said.

Haney said his players fulfilled their Bible verse during the past year. “Although his year has presented some unique challenges, in many ways we've been blessed with some great opportunities,” Haney said. “Because we were not allowed to play any other teams in the fall and winter, like we usually do, we played a bunch of instrasquads (games).

“These games were a great chance for some of our younger Saints to compete against our older guys. Just as importantly, it was a chance for our older guys to model our Romans 12:10 love for the young Saints. They were able to share knowledge of the game, but also model competitiveness and leadership.

“This group of guys have paid their dues in the program and are prepared to get us back into the playoffs for the first time in two years.” The Saints pitching staff will be led by a pair of senior lefthanders Michael Panichi and George Manera. Senior Luke Wallin is another pitcher.

The catchers are seniors Zach Tittle and Tre Chavez and junior junior Noah Ban. The infield will include freshman shortstop Sho Garcia. Sophomores Mark Fedro, Andrew An and Bryan Fernandez will play third base. At second base will be senior Darin Hahn, who also pitches. At first base will be seniors Min Sung Choo and Michael Panichi and sophomore Jack Sand. The outfield will include freshman Luke Wilson, seniors Kanon Rabbitt and Manera (when he's not on the mound) and junior Brad Cooper.

Experienced Crean Lutheran baseball team has high hopes

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

Crean Lutheran High School’s baseball team, with 13 seniors, is looking for a successful season under Coach Jake Haney. “The real keys to this team are the buy-in they have in doing things the right way and the way they trust the guy next to them,” Haney said.

Haney said his players fulfilled their Bible verse during the past year. “Although his year has presented some unique challenges, in many ways we've been blessed with some great opportunities,” Haney said. “Because we were not allowed to play any other teams in the fall and winter, like we usually do, we played a bunch of instrasquads (games).

“These games were a great chance for some of our younger Saints to compete against our older guys. Just as importantly, it was a chance for our older guys to model our Romans 12:10 love for the young Saints. They were able to share knowledge of the game, but also model competitiveness and leadership.

“This group of guys have paid their dues in the program and are prepared to get us back into the playoffs for the first time in two years.” The Saints pitching staff will be led by a pair of senior lefthanders Michael Panichi and George Manera. Senior Luke Wallin is another pitcher.

The catchers are seniors Zach Tittle and Tre Chavez and junior junior Noah Ban. The infield will include freshman shortstop Sho Garcia. Sophomores Mark Fedro, Andrew An and Bryan Fernandez will play third base. At second base will be senior Darin Hahn, who also pitches. At first base will be seniors Min Sung Choo and Michael Panichi and sophomore Jack Sand. The outfield will include freshman Luke Wilson, seniors Kanon Rabbitt and Manera (when he's not on the mound) and junior Brad Cooper.

Crean Lutheran baseball team made the most of a shortened season

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Crean Lutheran High School baseball coach Jake Haney believes his team was on its way to a special season before spring sports in the state were cancelled after 11 games.
“I was heartbroken that our season was cut short for a lot of reasons,” Haney said. “One of the biggest ones is that we had four transfers who worked so hard all fall and winter long and were chomping at the bit for the sit out period to end. They never got a chance to play.”

Haney had a message for his players.

“To our players: I can't tell you how proud of you I am,” he said. “Only we know how much time, passion and energy was put into this season. Thank you so much to our 14 seniors for your devotion to this program and the example you have provided for our younger guys. For the returning guys, we have a responsibility to never take our time together for granted. I can't wait to be back on the field again! God Bless each and every one of you.”

Haney also talked about the contributions of the seniors:

Brett Aguirre: “God has given you a tremendous amount of ability. I pray you continue to allow that to grow in college.”

Derek Bagatourian: “I've never coached a player that loves the grind as much as you do.”

Drew Barragan: “I loved how you showed up to work as hard as you could each day, no matter what happened the day before.”

Luke Belden: “Thank you for your incredible Christ-like example to everyone in the program, including the coaching staff.”

Caden Daniels: “It was such a pleasure to coach you because you always knew how to work hard and still have fun doing it.”

Liam Gallagher: “Your fearless attitude on the mound will be an example to all of our pitchers for years to come.”

Ethan Hockman: “This year I saw a confidence that started to grow in you, which paid off at the plate.”

Seth Holbrook: “I respected that you were always willing to do what was necessary to help us win, even if it didn't show up in the boxscore.”

Chase Kanegae: ”It was such a pleasure to have a front seat to watch you grow each year into the great player you have become.”

Noah Long: “Your athletic ability is unmatched and I can't wait to see you put on a show in college.”

Niko Ramos: “Your care for your teammates and respect for the game is unmatched!”

Jake Somerville: “Your internal fire and desire to get better every day was inspiring to be around.”

Daniel Vega: “You improved so much in the time you were with us and it's going to be fun to see your growth in college.”

Solomon Yi: “ Not many can make the game look as smooth as you can. It was a fun ride.”

Bright prospects for experienced Crean Lutheran baseball team

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

A veteran group of 13 seniors makes Crean Lutheran baseball coach Jake Haney optimistic about his team’s chances. The Saints continue to fulfill their mission.

“This year and every year, the mission of Crean Lutheran baseball is to develop student-athletes who are committed to achieving excellence on the baseball field, in the classroom and in the community, while shining the Light of Jesus Christ,” Haney said.

“The 2020 version of the Saints have done an excellent job in all three phases. In October we participated in the Compton Initiative. Our team went to Compton to help serve and do projects that help beautify the community. This opportunity was an amazing experience for our young men, who really love to serve when given the opportunity. We have had one of our best off seasons in recent memory.”

The team returns six starters from last year’s team led by second team all-leaguer Brett Aguirre. “Brett will be our ace on the mound and play first base when he doesn't pitch,” Haney said. Two other seniors, second baseman/pitcher Chase Kanegae and right fielder/pitcher Solomon Yi, “are going to be key pieces for us offensively,” Haney said.

Some new players will also join the team, he said. “Once the sit out period is over, outfielders Luke Belden and Noah Long, along with catcher Zach Tittle will have an immediate impact on our chances to make the playoffs.” Haney said he is also excited about the team’s freshmen class. “Two of them will have a chance to contribute on the varsity this year,” he said. “Both Andrew An and James Derflinger will see time on the infield and on the mound.”