Anzar High has never had a strong baseball tradition, but a new coach is hoping to turn things around.
Mike Dixon, a longtime pitching coach at Palma, is in his first year at the San Juan Bautista school, and despite the team’s 1-5 record after Tuesday’s loss to , the 59 year old is plenty excited on the team’s future.
“I have a lot of good kids here with a lot of desire to play,” Dixon said. “They’re anxious to play, so it motivates me to teach baseball. They respond to positive teaching. They’re doing well and I couldn’t ask anything more of them. I really thought it would be more of a struggle because I didn’t know how many guys could play or come out, but the way they’ve responded is incredible.”
With 19 players on the roster, Dixon said the team has enough talent and depth to remain competitive. Most importantly, the Hawks want to establish a program that lasts, creating a cycle of player development.
“You have to get a core group of players and run with it,” Dixon said. “That’s how you establish tradition and maintain consistency, which all good programs have. We have a core group of young players who are going to take their lumps, but they’re only going to get better.”
Anzar has been buoyed by the play of twins Izaac and Izaiah Ornelas, who are versatile enough to play both the infield and outfield.
“The twins give 100 percent all the time,” Dixon said.
Andrew Huaracha and Jarret Deamaral have been the anchors of the pitching staff. Dixon said Huaracha has developed a change-up and curveball this season, which has added to his effectiveness on the mound.
Dixon said the two pitchers complement each other well, as Huaracha changes speeds and relies on movement, while DeAmaral has the capability to blow his fastball by hitters.
“Those guys are hungry for every second in practice and in the games to do well,” Dixon said.
Several other players have made an impact, including pitcher/shortstop Dave Conrath, pitcher Trever Williams, catcher Rhett McCormick, third baseman Jacob Fuentes, shortstop Rex Ward and second baseman Jacob Lindholm.
Ward and Lindholm are both freshmen, and Dixon feels they represent the potential of the program.
“That’s your future up the middle right there, great guys who are learning the game right now,” he said. “They’ll have strikeouts, but they’re showing promise in every area of the game, which is good.”
Dixon had great things to say about sophomore pitcher Cody Fisher, who has emerged as the team’s closer.
“Cody has been the surprise of the whole season,” Dixon said. “He came out here not expecting to see the field, but he’s been working harder than anyone as far as the mental part of the game. I wouldn’t want anyone but him to close out a game for us. He brings a football mentality to the mound in that he’s a cold-blooded competitor.”
Dixon knows the Hawks will probably struggle from a won-loss standpoint this year, as it builds to the future. However, he’s already coaching a bunch of winners in his eyes.
“I can’s say enough about these kids and their attitudes and what they bring to the field,” he said. “Everyday is like a World Series for me. They have an attitude where they treat every game like a championship game.”
