SPORTS
By Mitch Lehman

For the first time in forty-five years, someone other than Mickey McNamee is filling out the lineup card for the San Marino High School varsity baseball team.
Just think about that statement for a second. John F. Kennedy was President of the United States when a wide-eyed rookie coach first crossed the white lines of the cozy little on-campus ballpark that now bears McNamee’s name. The Arcadia native was fresh off a national championship season at USC and was embarking on what would eventually be recognized as one of the most dignified coaching careers in the history of local baseball.
During his four-plus decades, McNamee served on the CIF Advisory Committee for baseball and was know by just about every coach, umpire and administrator in Los Angeles County, winning five CIF championships and guiding four Titans to all-CIF first team honors.
One of whom was Mack Paciorek, who graduated in 1996 from San Marino High School.
For Paciorek, all-Rio Hondo League status was a given, and in both 1995 and 1996, Paciorek was named all-CIF. He even was named All-State in 1995 for medium-sized schools before embarking on a college and professional baseball career that would take the long, lanky shortstop to East Los Angeles City College and L.A. City College before getting drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 31st round.
Deciding to stick with college, Paciorek ended up at Iowa State for a year where he was an all-Big 12 selection.
Continuing his tour of America, Paciorek transferred to Northwest Louisiana and then played 4-1/2 years of independent professional baseball in the Northern League, Northeast League – and points beyond. He took a coaching job at Cal Poly Pomona for a year and was running a non-profit organization and working at the California Coast Baseball Academy when he decided to come home, taking a spot with McNamee in 2006. When his mentor retired last summer, Paciorek was the automatic selection to start the next 44-year reign.
“It’s kind of like coming to bat after a guy has hit a grand slam and realizing you are probably best off to just lay down a bunt,” Paciorek quipped. “Coach McNamee is such a great teacher and person and I am truly in awe of this position. He lets you enjoy the game on all fronts and that is what it’s supposed to be – a game you enjoy. This is the last place I had a championship opportunity and Coach McNamee created that environment. He is incredibly knowledgeable and I learned a lot from him. Coach McNamee taught me to find things in the opponents’ game that we can take advantage of as well as removing our own flaws and improving ourselves.”
Paciorek implemented an ongoing conditioning program that started in the fall for those not involved in that season’s sports and a weight training program that continues all year long.
“My philosophy is maximize the amount of time we have to practice and cherish those minutes as opportunities to teach and learn,” paciorek said. “Every day we try to implement something new and we all want to become better players and coaches.”
So far, so good.
The Titans are off to an impressive 11-2-1 start, 5-2 in the Rio Hondo League after last night’s 5-3 victory over Temple City.
Last season, the Titans qualified for the CIF playoffs for the first time in a decade, though they were quickly bounced in the first round by Cantwell Sacred Heart.
“The guys are really making a commitment to working hard,” said Paciorek. “We encourage them to work on the process and the result will take care of itself. The guys are really learning this and they have made it a point to try to get a little better every single day.”
Paciorek mentioned that the Titans have depth in every area and chose to speak about his seniors first.
Nick Wilson, a four-year varsity veteran, is San Marino’s ace pitcher and a fine third baseman when he is not on the mound.
“Nick is an incredible competitor,” said Paciorek. “Everyone knows that when the ball is in his hands we have a great chance to succeed. Nick works hard every day to get better and does what he has to do to get better as a player. Being a four-year varsity player and with so many seniors lost from last season, he has done a great job of taking a leadership position.”
Senior first baseman and designated hitter David Ramirez has gathered key hits for the Titans.
“David is a clutch performer and a clutch hitter,” said Paciorek. “Last season he came up with the biggest hit of the year and this season he has come through as well.”
Senior James Brunette has been a steady force at first base.
“James has been the most pleasant surprise on the team,” said the coach. “James is a hard worker and a solid first baseman and also a solid left handed batter. He earned his spot in the lineup on the field and also in the batting order.”
Twin brother Peter Brunette has been solid in left field and in spot duty as designated hitter.
“Peter is an incredibly hard worker and he battles every single at bat,” said Paciorek. “Peter is a very tough out. We also had a competition where whoever made the best diving plays in practice, whoever would get dirty and play the hardest earned a lunch, and it was no surprise that Peter won. I call him my ‘Tony Award’ winner because he went to Tony’s Pizza to claim his prize.”
Senior Eric Welder has been sturdy behind the plate.
“Eric is incredibly smart and very attentive to what is going on,” said Paciorek.”He has great catching fundamentals and is very good defensively.”
Senior Gianni Abbott has excelled as an outfielder and pinch runner.
“Gianni covers a ton of ground in the outfield and he has a great attitude,” said Paciorek.
Senior left fielder and pitcher Chevy McGinley is coming off consecutive successful seasons for San Marino’s football and basketball teams.
“Chevy has great competitive drive and is a solid defensive outfielder,” said Paciorek. “Chevy also has an incredible work ethic and wants to improve.”
Senior Brendan Ezold came back to baseball and is getting some time on the mound.
“Brendan is a hard worker and a great team player,” said Paciorek. “Brendan is a great kid and he adds a lot to the team and to the program.”
Senior pitcher Albert Wu has also been a very pleasant surprise.
“Albert is a very strong young man with great velocity and he is very calm and composed on the mound,” said Paciorek. “Albert is a big surprise and has been a big addition to our pitching staff.”
Wu came off the bench and shut down La Cañada’s bats, getting the victory in a huge 6-5 come-from-behind win over the Spartans
Junior shortstop Steven Wright is San Marino’s linchpin on defense.
“Steven has incredible athleticism and a very strong arm,” said Paciorek. “Steven is fearless and a clutch performer. He always does well when we need him. Steven is batting in the area of .430, making him one of the best hitters in the league.”
Third baseman and outfielder Dylan Bensinger is also among the league’s elite, checking in with a .455 clip.
“Dylan also has a great work ethic and leads by example,” said Paciorek. “He has one of the sweetest swings we have seen around here for a long time. He is also a very solid defensive third baseman,” Paciorek added.
Junior pitcher Woody Clark is a dependable starter capable of chewing up the innings.
“Woody has an incredible curveball and he gives us a chance to be in every game in which he pitches,” said Paciorek. “He has outstanding command of his pitches.”
Junior Andrew Sloan has shown impressive stuff as a right handed closer.
“Andrew is a hard worker who has a great personality and keeps us loose in the dugout and at practice with his tremendous sense of humor,” said Paciorek, laughing. “Andrew is getting better on the mound every time he gets out there.”
Junior right fielder Kevin Gute is a defensive specialist with a great swing at the plate.
“Kevin has a very strong outfield arm and a beautiful swing,” said Paciorek. “He will come around at the plate and we really expect great things out of him this season and especially next year. He has a lot of baseball ability and knowledge.”
Junior center fielder Chandler Caldwell has collected some big hits, including two in last night’s victory over the Rams.
“Chandler has probably made the largest positive stride since last season,” said Paciorek. “He has one of the strongest outfield arms in the league. Chandler has a great swing and is a solid outfielder.”
Junior utility player Jonathan Merhaut can do it all.
“Jonathan is a great all-around player,” said Paciorek. “He can play every position on the field and is a very tough competitor. He works very, very hard. Jonathan stayed home over spring break to practice and that shows me what kind of competitor he really is.”
Junior catcher Michael Thompson will get the nod next season and has contributed mightily in ‘08.
“Michael controls the game very well from behind the plate,” Paciorek said. “He works hard and is also a very tough out at the plate.”
Junior Trevor Dority has logged some impressive innings for the Titans and provided one of the season’s highlights when he came off the bench to get a win over Marshall with five stellar innings.
“Trevor is an excellent finesse pitcher and that performance against Marshall was pure clutch,” Paciorek exclaimed. “We are looking for Trevor to contribute even more this season.”
Sophomore lefty Chris Warren has been a beast in relief.
“Chris has great upside, and even now he is a very composed pitcher,” Paciorek said. “He takes his time on the mound and he has been excellent in relief.”
Sophomore Stevie Yortsos has been excellent at second base and on the basepaths as well.
“Stevie has great athleticism and competitive drive,” Paciorek said. “He has the ability to make plays that other players can’t make. He is also a good bunter and is improving in every facet of his game every single day.”
‘Every single day’ will surely matter for the Titans in a tough Rio Hondo League – possibly the toughest in more than a decade. Monrovia and Temple City still make up the class of the group, but La Cañada has beaten both and South Pasadena is back in business.
The biggest surprise of the young season is Blair, who will knock someone off in a game that matters.
“This is a big week for us but the thing about this league is it is going to come down to the final game for every single team in this league,” Paciorek said. “I hope we understand that there is not one single day off until the end of the season. We have to bring our best every single day to keep our fate in our own hands and not spend the last few days of the season hoping someone knocks someone else off to get us in the playoffs. That’s not the way we are going to do things around here.”
Spoken like a 44-year veteran.