Waite comes close to ending its 19-year title drought

In coach Anthony Smith’s first year at the helm, Waite baseball came close to winning its first Toledo City League championship since 2002.

The Indians reached the City League final, losing in what Smith called “a hard fought game” to Start, 4-1. Senior pitcher Alex Rodriguez III held the Spartans in check, giving his team a chance.

“We battled from start to finish — unfortunately one inning got away from us, but we fought to the end,” Smith said. “Alex pitched an absolute gem. We just came up short.”

Waite (5-11 overall, 2-3 City) punched their ticket to the CL final with a victory over Bowsher in the City semifinals.  The Indians relied on Rodriguez and three-sport athlete Nikolas Heslet, both first team All-City selections.

“Alex is the complete package when it comes to baseball,” Smith said. “He works hard, puts in the extra work needed to elevate his game, and will never make the same mistake twice. His knowledge of the game gives him the edge over many good ballplayers. He studies the game, crunches the numbers and uses that to give the team the best chance at victory.” 

Rodriguez, a shortstop and pitcher, finished the season with a .435 batting average, 20 hits (12 singles, seven doubles, one triple), nine runs, 15 stolen bases and 12 RBIs. On the mound, he pitched 36 innings with 54 strikeouts, an ERA of 3.08 and a record of 3-3.  Rodriguez, who is headed to Owens Community College, is the only senior who will continue playing collegiately.

“Alex, a.k.a A-Rod, is the complete package,” Smith said. “From hitting to fielding, pitching and even at the catcher spot, this young man consistently produces at the game of baseball as a whole. As one of our senior leaders, we expected big things from A-Rod this season. He has a strong presence at the plate, and commands the mound as a pitcher which I believe sets him apart from other ballplayers. Everyone in Northwest Ohio will want to keep an eye out for Alex Rodriguez III. 

Heslet, a senior first baseman, center fielder and pitcher, finished the season with a .293 batting average, 12 hits (nine singles, two doubles, one triple), scoring 16 runs, 23 stolen bases, and 10 RBIs. He pitched a total of 36 innings with 43 strikeouts, and an ERA of 3.43.

Other key players were third baseman and pitcher Matthew Lamonds, catcher and first baseman Santino Canales, second baseman and pitcher Tristan Layman and shortstop, pitcher, second baseman and outfielder Nolan Wagner. Michael Logsdon was another returning letterman. Wagner and Lamonds earned honorable mention All-City honors.

“We expected Alex Rodriguez III, Nolan Wagner, Matthew Lamonds and Nikolas Heslet to be our key hitters. All four guys are consistent with the bat and they all know how to get on base, as well as challenge the pitcher. We expected big things from these four guys,” Smith said.

“As far as pitchers, Nolan Wagner, Alex Rodriguez III, and Nikolas Heslet owned the mound this year. All three guys are very versatile with their pitches. With a strong defense behind them, they consistently put the ball over the plate, with the trust in their defense to make plays when the ball is put in play.

“Alex Rodriguez III, Nolan Wagner, Tristan Layman and Matthew Lamonds are guys we looked to when it comes to making plays. These four guys have a lot of chemistry. Making plays together is what they do best, but each individual fielder stands out in their own right. Freshman Kross Kerchner is someone we were keeping our eye on as well at second base,” Smith said.

Smith said it is the leadership of his seniors that got his team to the City championship game.

“We believe all of our upperclassmen are exceptional baseball players,” Smith said. “They all play very well together, communicate well and know how and when to pick each other up.”

Smith believes he has younger players who made an impact, too, and could set the table for years to come.

“Our most improved returners have really stepped up this season during practices and scrimmages. Santino Canales has come a long way perfecting his craft and I believe has widened some eyes this season. 

“It’s hard to come by young men like Isaiah Herrera. Now, all of our guys work hard, but Herrera sets himself apart from the rest with his consistency. He never takes a play off, and takes full advantage of each rep presented to him. 

“Kross Kerchner, a first-year varsity player and freshman, shows improvement every day during practice, he is very coachable and seems to become more and more confident with each rep. We will want to stay on the lookout for Kross next year.” 

Overall, Smith said he could not have expected more out of his team.

“Every day at practice, these young men are getting better. With each rep, confidence is built. We preach building a winning, championship culture. We strive for that every single day,” Smith said. 

“Our strengths this season were our ability to put the ball in play, forcing our opponent to make plays, as well as our fielding. We have a strong infield with many interchangeable pieces. We expect big things from our infield this year,” Smith said.  “Since day one, we have preached creating a championship culture, reminding our boys that the last recent City championship victory was in 2002. Former Waite baseball head coach Dave Quiroga played on that team. We share the message that every year could be their year to put this team on the banner hanging in the field house as well as earn themselves a banner down at the field.”