West Leyden High School - Shield Yearbook (Northlake, IL)

Page 191 text:

With a look of determination varsity pitcher outfielder Jeff Gloudeman slides safely into third base during a game against the Morton West Falcons. : Varsity Baseball: front row: John Benevolent, Joe Cascella, Frank Zekasko, Jeff Gloudeman, Alex Fornorelli, Dick Krska row two: Coach Don Lukas, Tony Leszczynski, Joe Mistrata, Mark Krebs, Mark Walberg, Keith Schneider, Mark Deutscher, Coach Fred Schmidt, Manager Phil Wendt Winding up for the pitch, all state Mark Walberg stings his opponent from Morton East with his famous fast ball. Mark ended the season on taking all-conference honors. Receiving the throw from the pitcher, All-Conference first-baseman Joe Mistrata prepares to make a sweeping tag against his Wiliowbrook opponent. 187

Page 190 text:

League runners up Another successful season in baseball carried the varsity team to a second place in Des Plaines Valley League standings, with a conference record of 10 and 6. Pleased with the outcome of the season Coaches Fred Schmidt and Don Lukas are looking forward to a possible conference championship in the future. Captain of the 78 team, Mark Walberg, was chosen most valuable player. His pitching and switch- hitting also earned him title of All-conference. In addition, Walberg was the only nominee to the All-state team, with his batting average storming .534. The team also had the help of All-conference players Alex Formarelli and Joe Mistrata, who is a returning senior with hopes of becoming sectional qualifier. Coach Joe Sisco was proud to guide the sophomore team to a record of fifteen wins and two losses, the most games won by any so- phomore baseball team in the school ' s history. The team ' s success is attributed to an average of .333 as a team. The pitching and hitting of team captain Pete Krueger helped insure the success of the season, later moving him up to a position on the varsity team. Keeping up the Knight baseball spirit the Freshman team finished with a 10-6 season. The team had an excellent attitude and refused to give up , commented Coach Kolze. Fast timing and precision are two distinct .qualities batter Jeff Gloudeman skillfully uses ■while playing against Morton West in a lou ' gh conference game. .■ ' pe ' » « ' »9«»ws» «% B»T: MJ - Preparing yourself to respond to a hard hitting batter requires quickness and concentration as third baseman Tony Leszczynski awaits his next catch. From the stretch Alex Fornarelli tries to use his hard curve ball to put down one of East Leydens hitters to end the inning and threat of the Eagles. 186

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League runners up Being congratulated by Coach Fred Schmidt, Tony Leszczynski and catcher Bob Poznecki retire from the field after a tough conference- game played early in the season. Firing a fastball past a Morton West opponent Alex Fornarelli shows the form that made him a All Conference selection from last year ' s Varsity team. Applying brute force into his swing. Junior Mark Krebs hits one to centerfield as Senior Jeff Cloudeman looks on in a tough conference game against Morton West. 188