Curly
06-04-2008, 08:58 AM
Hutto bringing complete team to state tourney
Deep pitching, timely hitting have keyed Hippos' playoff run to state
By Rick Cantu
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
HUTTO — Someone needs to remind the 12 seniors on the Hutto baseball team that they graduate on Saturday.
A once-in-a-lifetime milestone for most high school students, graduation is the second-most anticipated ceremony for the Hippos this week.
But playing in the state baseball tournament is a lifetime landmark too. The Hippos, playing in their first state tournament since 1998, play Snyder in a Class 3A semifinal today at Disch-Falk Field.
"Graduation?" right fielder Austin Aday said Monday. "It hasn't even crossed my mind."
Hutto reached the state tournament on the wings of a strong senior class and a deep pitching staff. The Hippos (27-7) have gone 10-2 in the playoffs, and beat District 18-3A rival Taylor last weekend to get to state.
"We've been dreaming about this moment for four years in high school and even in middle school," said pitcher/catcher John Cannon, who will play at the University of Houston next spring.
Coach Pete Schmidt said this is his strongest pitching staff in his eight years with the Hippos. Cannon (4-1, 3.07 ERA) is the probable starter for today's semifinal, but Schmidt has the option of using junior Brett Higginbotham (8-1, 2.01), senior Garrett Carey (4-0, 1.66) or senior Chris Thomison (7-4, 1.95).
When the Hippos actually clobber the ball, the heavy hitters are Carey (.442, 3 home run, 39 RBIs), Cannon (.408, 3 homers, 33 RBIs), Higginbotham (.333) and left fielder Andrew Carson (.298, 8 stolen bases).
According to Aday and Higginbotham, part of the team's success stems from its willingness to adhere to player superstitions. For example, no one — from the cleanup hitter to the bullpen catcher — is permitted to step on sidewalk cracks outside the team's locker room.
"I've gotten to the point where I won't step on a crack even when we're not in school," Aday said.
The players are expected to have submarine sandwiches as their pregame meal today because that was the choice of cuisine before last Saturday's clinching victory over Taylor.
In another team ritual, Thomison and second baseman Jody McCoy will give customary high-fives to their teammates in the dugout just minutes before the game. Players also give each other "special handshakes" for luck, Aday added.
"You don't want to mess with success," Higginbotham said.
The coach's only concern is to prepare for the next game — and getting them accustomed to a new stadium.
After the Hippos boarded the team bus following Saturday's victory over Taylor at Austin's Nelson Field, they seemingly made a wrong turn going back home. Instead of heading on Interstate 35 North for the 40-minute drive to Hutto, the driver turned south.
"Where are we going?" Aday remembers several of his teammates saying.
Five minutes later, the Hippos turned into Disch-Falk Field for an early peek. Playing at the revamped home of the Longhorns will be a new experience for Hutto, and Schmidt wanted them to taste the environment before today's first pitch.
"Our goal all year has been to play at Disch-Falk Field," Aday said.
Graduation can wait.
Deep pitching, timely hitting have keyed Hippos' playoff run to state
By Rick Cantu
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
HUTTO — Someone needs to remind the 12 seniors on the Hutto baseball team that they graduate on Saturday.
A once-in-a-lifetime milestone for most high school students, graduation is the second-most anticipated ceremony for the Hippos this week.
But playing in the state baseball tournament is a lifetime landmark too. The Hippos, playing in their first state tournament since 1998, play Snyder in a Class 3A semifinal today at Disch-Falk Field.
"Graduation?" right fielder Austin Aday said Monday. "It hasn't even crossed my mind."
Hutto reached the state tournament on the wings of a strong senior class and a deep pitching staff. The Hippos (27-7) have gone 10-2 in the playoffs, and beat District 18-3A rival Taylor last weekend to get to state.
"We've been dreaming about this moment for four years in high school and even in middle school," said pitcher/catcher John Cannon, who will play at the University of Houston next spring.
Coach Pete Schmidt said this is his strongest pitching staff in his eight years with the Hippos. Cannon (4-1, 3.07 ERA) is the probable starter for today's semifinal, but Schmidt has the option of using junior Brett Higginbotham (8-1, 2.01), senior Garrett Carey (4-0, 1.66) or senior Chris Thomison (7-4, 1.95).
When the Hippos actually clobber the ball, the heavy hitters are Carey (.442, 3 home run, 39 RBIs), Cannon (.408, 3 homers, 33 RBIs), Higginbotham (.333) and left fielder Andrew Carson (.298, 8 stolen bases).
According to Aday and Higginbotham, part of the team's success stems from its willingness to adhere to player superstitions. For example, no one — from the cleanup hitter to the bullpen catcher — is permitted to step on sidewalk cracks outside the team's locker room.
"I've gotten to the point where I won't step on a crack even when we're not in school," Aday said.
The players are expected to have submarine sandwiches as their pregame meal today because that was the choice of cuisine before last Saturday's clinching victory over Taylor.
In another team ritual, Thomison and second baseman Jody McCoy will give customary high-fives to their teammates in the dugout just minutes before the game. Players also give each other "special handshakes" for luck, Aday added.
"You don't want to mess with success," Higginbotham said.
The coach's only concern is to prepare for the next game — and getting them accustomed to a new stadium.
After the Hippos boarded the team bus following Saturday's victory over Taylor at Austin's Nelson Field, they seemingly made a wrong turn going back home. Instead of heading on Interstate 35 North for the 40-minute drive to Hutto, the driver turned south.
"Where are we going?" Aday remembers several of his teammates saying.
Five minutes later, the Hippos turned into Disch-Falk Field for an early peek. Playing at the revamped home of the Longhorns will be a new experience for Hutto, and Schmidt wanted them to taste the environment before today's first pitch.
"Our goal all year has been to play at Disch-Falk Field," Aday said.
Graduation can wait.