Playing for #10
After bursting onto the varsity scene in 2012, Portage senior Justin Newcomb was expected to play a prominent role on the Indians’ baseball team this season. However, his senior year took an unexpected turn when he suffered a torn ACL prior to the start of the season. On April 3, he was officially ruled out for the season.
Newcomb underwent surgery on April 9, the same night his teammates played Chesterton. The Indians recorded a 4-0 victory while showing their support for Newcomb. The players drew Newcomb’s #10 on their cleats and wrote it on their wrists. When someone was up to bat, players would yell, “c’mon 10” from the dugout, regardless of who was hitting or what number he was.
“They went out and won that game for me because I couldn’t be there and I honestly can’t put how much it means into words,” Newcomb said. “I love each and every one of those guys and would do anything for any of them.”
Weather Woes
The Indians have not been immune to the unpredictable spring weather in Northwest Indiana as five games have already been postponed, suspended or cancelled this season. On Monday night, Portage started a game against Valparaiso before the rain came in the second inning, which will cause the game to be restarted on Thursday. On Tuesday night, the Indians are scheduled to make up a game in La Porte that has already been postponed twice. The forecast remains questionable for the duration of the week with Portage now scheduled to play on five consecutive days.
A Welcome Addition
Since transferring from Chesterton prior to the season, junior Kevin Jones has given Portage a lift at the plate and on the mound. Jones is hitting .464 with seven walks and 12 RBIs while holding a 2-0 record and a 1.56 ERA with 12 strikeouts in nine innings of work. He also worked two scoreless innings in Tuesday’s rainout against Valparaiso that will not count toward his stats.
“I think the main thing it’s done for us is just added depth, obviously in the outfield and pitching also,” head coach Tim Pirowski said. “It just gives us another good player to add to the other players we already have.”
Jones will be featured in Friday’s edition of the Portage High School student newspaper, the Pow Wow.
A Transitional Period
The first few weeks of the Portage baseball season have represented a transitional period for the team in more ways than one. While Jones was adjusting to a new school and senior Tyler Retherford was growing accustomed to his first season of high school baseball, nearly every player on the roster was settling into a new role. Every junior on the team is getting his first full taste of varsity baseball.
“It’s more serious and every at-bat just means so much more than what it used to at the JV and freshman level,” junior Sam Schest said.
With the departure of a large graduating class of 2012, many of this year’s seniors have received increased playing time and additional leadership responsibilities.
“Last year I was more of a, I guess you would say, cheerleader,” senior Patrick Derr said with a smile. “I didn’t really get to play too much, but now that I have my chance, I see myself more as a team captain this year, more of a leader on the field and off the field. I keep guys in shape and keep them out of trouble.”
Linkage
Clear here to read about the Portage baseball team starting its season with a Tennessee Tournament championship, or follow this link to meet the 2013 Indians.