• Articles
• Firebird Flash

• KING JAMES

  "People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one, and we've just begun, think I'm gonna have a son. He will be like she and me, as free as a dove, conceived in love, sun is gonna shine above." - Kenny Loggins,
  
  Youngest Son Paints Lasting Picture
  
  And what a son he has turned out to be. The last of three brothers and a sister, James Edward McDonald III has been memorable from the start. Now, as the sun sets on the Chaparral baseball class of 2010, the diamond reflections are particularly poignant.
  May 03, 2010, Monday

• SUPER K

  Chaparral Ace Zeroes in on Playoffs
  
  A long time ago, one man who fancies himself as something of a baseball expert watched Konner Wade throw and exclaimed to anyone who would listen, "this kid is going places." And indeed he might. It has been evident for a long time, especially as Konner has grown into a 6-foot-4, 190-pound fireballer.
  
  
  April 30, 2010, Friday

• FIGHT ON

  No Challenge Too Great For Will Dyer
  
  Will Dyer, Chaparral baseball player through and through, has just one goal: To do all that his talent and determination allow to make the greatest contribution possible to his team. It is a goal that has made every Firebird team on which he has played far better than what otherwise might have been the case.
  
  
  April 28, 2010, Wednesday
• List all Firebird Fevers...

In the End, There Firebirds Stand Proud
May 10, 2010, Monday Konner Wade Pitches Chaparral Past Deer Valley
May 07, 2010, Friday Chaparral coach lays foundation for majors
May 05, 2010, Wednesday Chaparral Rebounds with 6-2 Win over Lake Havasu
May 05, 2010, Wednesday Millennium Wins First-Round Matchup against Chaparral
May 03, 2010, Monday List all Articles...

There was drama at the start. Chaparral catcher Nate Sherman took full measure of a 2 and 0 pitch Wednesday and, in the very first at bat for a Chaparral player in the 2010 season, deposited the ball comfortably over the left-field fence. It was the first blow in what would become and 11-0, five-inning run-rule victory over visiting Mesa in the Scottsdale Quarterback Club Tournament.

Chaparral Shines in Season-Opening Victory

James McDonald Will Dyer Becky Levy photos

There was drama at the start. Chaparral catcher Nate Sherman took full measure of a 2 and 0 pitch Wednesday and, in the very first at bat for a Chaparral player in the 2010 season, deposited the ball comfortably over the left-field fence. It was the first blow in what would become and 11-0, five-inning run-rule victory over visiting Mesa in the Scottsdale Quarterback Club Tournament.

But it wasn't the end of the immediate drama. The post-home run celebration was a little too animated. On-deck hitter Will Dyer ended up with a pinkie that was out-of-place. It was quickly popped back into place, but Dyer, determined to get back in the lineup, watched until the fifth inning.

"He's a tough guy," said one of his teammates. "He was willing to do anything to get back in there."

It is that kind of hunger and dedication that Chaparral Coach Jerry Dawson is counting on to make Chaparral's transition to Class 5A II a successful one, even in the Desert Valley Region that in Desert Mountain, Pinnacle, Chaparral and Horizon includes (in order) the top four teams in the state, according to the Arizona Republic.

(Pictured above is James McDonald; at right, Will Dyer) Becky Levy photos Dawson will spend the next week evaluating various lineups and individual players. "In this tournament, we are looking for some answers and for ways to get better, says Dawson.

The formula looked good Wednesday. "delivered one of the longest home runs in memory at Chaparral when he hit a ball over the center field fence onto Gold Dust Avenue, a distance of anywhere from 410 to 420 feet. He also doubled and drove in four runs. Sherman drove in a pair with his opening blast and a second-inning single. Nick Diamond, just a sophomore, also had two hits, as did Joel Hayden. Joey Bielek drove in a pair with deep sacrifices top right and center. Defensively, the Firebirds were flawless and got standout pitching from senior Preston Hill, who retired the first 10 Mesa hitters before finally allowing a single in the fourth. He could hardly have been more efficient as he moved the ball and threw primarily strikes with his 36 pitches. It is not a surprise that Hill was so highly coveted by the Chandler-Gilbert Community College program, where he signed during the off-season. Chris Pleiter finished up in the sixth by allowing a hit, inducing a double play and getting a routine grounder to third.

Today, the task figures to be a little tougher for the Firebirds. Sunrise Mountain, the home team, has a formidable lineup and strong left-handed pitching. Chaparral will counter with senior Konner Wade on the mound, primed for what is hoped to be a very successful year. Wade is a hard-throwing right-hander who will pitch next year at the University of Arizona. Dawson is counting on him today to provide another piece of the 2010 puzzle.

Printable Flash