Chesapeake Baseball Looking To Repeat Last Year's Success

By John Singleton
Chesapeake High School has a formidable list of alumni who have made their mark in professional baseball. Joe Andrzejewski, who was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1988 draft; Derek Hasselhoff, who was picked by the Chicago White Sox in 1995; and Zach Moore, who was chosen by the Florida Marlins in 2008 represent just a few of the names in the hallowed history of Cougars baseball. For the 2011 varsity and junior varsity squads, there is more than a little pressure to live up to a tradition of stellar play and impeccable sportsmanship.

“Jim Simms did a great job of establishing great pride in the Cougars program,” said first year head coach Ken King. “Coach Simms left on a high note and we hope to continue that tradition of excellence.”
For those with short memories, it was only last spring that Chesapeake made an unforgettable run through the Maryland State playoffs that culminated in a heartbreaking, 2-1, loss in the championship game. Along the way they defeated cross-town rival Severna Park in the semifinal round when senior Shane Troyer smashed two home runs in the same inning to lift the Cougars to an emotional victory.
“Last year’s lineup had a lot of power,” added King. “But we have more depth at every position. We lost seven senior starters to graduation, but that just makes more opportunities for the rest of the guys.”
King, a Pasadena resident, graduated from Chesapeake High School in 1985 and coached at Eastern Tech in Baltimore County for six years before spending one year as JV coach at Annapolis High School under varsity coach Kevin Schiavone. Having been an assistant under Coach Simms, King’s transition to head coach should be smooth. He sees the Cougars being tested early at the Patuxent Easter Tournament starting Easter Saturday and in early season league play.
“We have a very talented freshmen class,” said King. “And we’re expecting big things from the JV squad this year as well.”
Coach Chris Kojack, who played college baseball at UMBC, works hard to craft the proper synergy between the varsity and JV teams. Kojack believes JV pitcher Ryan Rinehardt could get some attention this year. In an early season scrimmage, Rinehardt hurled a 79mph fastball and a 56mph curveball in the same inning. That 23mph difference in speed is more than enough to keep hitters off-balance when facing the left-handed sophomore. Rinehart also has a deft pick-off move that keeps base runners on their toes.
“We’re looking forward to helping these young men develop as a team as well as in their individual skills,” summarized King, who also doubles as a Physical Education teacher at Chesapeake. “When it comes to proper conduct off the field our expectations are just as high, if not higher,” concluded King.