Retired Numbers
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#15 - Brian Bannister Pitcher 1997 - 1999 
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Brian was a three year starter for the Chaparral Firebirds. He was the starting second baseman and relief pitcher for state runner up teams in 1997 and 1998. He earned the save in the 1999 state championship game, a 3 - 2 victory over Coronado High School, pitching three strong innings and striking out 7 of the 9 batters he faced. He earned all city and all region honors in all three of his varsity seasons. Brian was an invited walk on at University of Southern California. After deciding to concentrate on his pitching, he contributed greatly during his freshman season. He served as the team's closer as a sophomore, recording a 4 win, 1 loss season with an era of 2.80 in 35 relief appearances. The Trojans made trips to the college world series in both 2000 and 2001. After red shirting from elbow surgery in 2002, Brian returned as a starting pitcher in 2003. Brian graduated Cum Laude from the University of Southern California. He was drafted in the 7th round of the 2003 major league draft by the New York Mets. He was the Mets 2005 Minor League Player of the Year. He made his major league debut on April 5, 2006 vs the Washington Nationals taking a no hitter thru 5 1/3 innings in a no decision. He earned his first major league win on April 11, also against the Nationals. He was 2 - 0 with a 2.89 era after 5 major league starts when his season was cut short due to a hamstring injury he suffered running the bases. In the off-season he was traded from the Mets to the Kansas City Royals. After starting the season in the minor leagues, Brian was recalled to the Royals where he flourished. In his first full season, he pitched 165 innings, compiling a 12 win and 9 loss record for a young team that often provided him little run support. His era for the season was 3.87 with 77 strikeouts and 44 walks. In November 2007, Brian received enough votes to place third for the AL Rookie of the Year as a Kansas City Royals pitcher. Bannister was 12-9 with a 3.87 earned run average in 27 starts for the Royals. Brian is the son of Floyd Bannister, a former major league pitcher. His has two brothers who are also members of the "Firebird Baseball Family." Brett was a 2001 Chaparral graduate, a two-year varsity letterman and a member of the 2000 state championship team. He also attended USC where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class and was a very successful pitcher for the Trojans. He was drafted and signed by the Seattle Mariners but is no longer in baseball due to a career ending injury. Cory was a three year baseball varsity letter winner at Chaparral and a member of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 state championship teams. He is currently continuing his baseball career at Stanford University. |
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#9 - Paul Konerko Catcher 1991 - 1994 
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Paul was a 3.5 year starting varsity catcher who led the Firebirds to their first ever state championship in 1994. Also, his record of 44 career doubles from 1991 - 1994 still stands today as and Arizona 4A state record. In June of 1994, Paul became a 1st round (13th pick overall) draft selection by the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly moved up through their minor league system. Soon after earning the Minor League Player of the Year honor while playing for the Albuquerque Dukes (AAA affiliate), Paul was called up in September of 1997 where he would become a permanent fixture with the Major League club. Traded in 1998 to the Reds, and then again that same year to the White Sox, Paul has emerged as a leading offensive force and team leader now in Chicago. Coming off a stellar year in 2001, Paul has found his way into the hearts of fans as recognized by his 2002 All-Star and Home Run Derby selections. Still relatively young, his accomplishments on and off the field as a young player and individual in the community are unparalleled. The Chaparral Firebird Baseball program is proud to honor Paul Konerko and his accomplishments. |
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#9 - Mark Miller Coach 1975 - Present  |
Coach Miller began teaching at Chaparral in January of 1974. He became a member of the coaching staff in 1975. He served as the Junior Varsity coach from 1975 through 1978. In 1979, coach Miller joined the Varsity staff where he took on the Hitting and Outfield responsibilities and has remained on as a valuable member ever since. Coach Miller has coached over 100 young men that have gone on to play college and/or professional baseball after leaving Chaparral High School. He retired from teaching in June of 2003 but will return to coach the Firebird hitter and Outfielders because of his passion for the game and the love of the young men involved. |
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#1 - Brian Deak Catcher 1983 - 1985  |
Brian followed up an illustrious high school career by signing to play for Yavapai Community College in Prescott, Arizona. In his only year with the Roughriders (1986), Brian was chosen to the NJCAA All-American Team and played his way to the MVP of the Junior College World Series. Brian soon became a 3rd round draft pick with the Atlanta Braves. In just his first season in the organization, he earned himself Rookie of the Year in the Appalachian League. The following 6 seasons would be spent in A, AA, and AAA level ball where he also earned 2 All-Star game selections. His final 3 seasons were spent mainly in AAA with the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals organizations. Brian retired from professional baseball in 1995 and soon completed his education at Arizona State University with a degree in Accounting. He currently resides in the Phoenix area with his family (wife Roseanne, and 2 sons Christopher and Nicholas) and serves as a Certified Public Accountant with a local accounting firm. |
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#1 - Darrell Deak Shortstop 1985 - 1987  |
After a stellar high school career with the Firebirds, Darrel signed a scholarship to attend and play for Loyola Marymount University. His collegiate career was highlighted by many regional trips to the College World Series, as well as, All-American Team recognition his Senior Year. Upon graduation, Darrel was drafted (15th Round) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1991. A successful minor league career that included All-Star recognition and Home Run Derby championships was topped off in 1995 when he was reunited with his brother Brian in AAA (Louisville, Kentucky). This marked the first time the two had played together in almost 10 years. The time spent was unforgettable as they led the Cardinals minor league team to the AAA World Series Championship. Darrel would play two more years of professional baseball, including one year in Mexico. He retired in 1998 celebrating over 15 years of baseball excellence and achievement. |