THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 19, 1995 TAG: 9502190173
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICHARD GOODEN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
The Norfolk State baseball team finds itself in an unusual position this season.
For the first time in eight years, the Spartans aren't the defending CIAA champions, having lost to Shaw last spring in the tournament final. Now the Spartans are out to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
``It was an incredible run from the start by the guys,'' said coach Marty Miller, whose Spartans open the season today at 1 p.m. with a game at Elon College. ``But it was a hard loss to take. The guys from last year's team are preparing themselves to regain the championship.''
That's no sure thing. Miller must replace his starting outfield, shortstop and staff ace along with two other key pitchers from a team that went 29-14 overall and 16-1 in the CIAA.
Toughest to replace could be leftfielder Brian Edlow, who led the team in six offensive categories, including home runs (six), RBIs (53) and batting average (.420).
Rightfielder Alex Oates led the team in walks and centerfielder Shell Daniels' four home runs was second on the team.
Miller hopes to make up for the departed offensive punch by emphasizing pitching, speed and defense.
The five-man pitching rotation will be headed by James Harris. The former Green Run star was 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA last season.
``I have done more mental and physical preparation this offseason,'' Harris said. ``I knew, since I was a senior, that I had to step it up, especially because we have a young team.''
Other pitchers are Johnnie Harrell (Cradock), David Ellyson (Great Bridge), Charles Musina (Deep Creek) and Charles Preasha. Rightfielder Antone Brooks also will share the pitching responsibilities.
Brooks, a transfer from Francis Marion Junior College, was one of Miller's key acquisitions.
``I am looking for our pitchers to keep us in the game, keep the bases on balls down and stay under control,'' Miller said. ``As the season goes on, they will mature. They throw the ball real well and they understand pitching. I think they are going to be very competitive.''
The coach also plans to give outfielders Harry Johnson and Timothy Ford quality playing time.
The offensive spark plug should be centerfielder Reggie Terry, a senior from Hampton. He will bat leadoff and trigger the running game. Last season Terry led the team with 22 steals and was second in hits with 61. ``I plan to get on base and set the tone for the rest of the team,'' he said.
Leftfielder Omari Venable also can run.
The starting infield figures to be Lawrence Holmes at shortstop, Swindell Flowers at first base, Eric Waters at third base and Deon Eaddy at second base.
``If everyone plays together, we will be OK,'' Miller said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Senior James Harris will lead a pitching rotation that coach Marty
Miller says must keep Norfolk State in the games.
by CNB