Things were in good hands when Sean Casey took the mound this season for Grand Haven’s baseball team.
The senior right-hander had a complete game in all but one start this season, a high number considering the MHSAA’s new rule on pitch counts.
He played a key role for the Bucs’ run to the Division 1 state semifinals, and for his all-around play, earned The Chronicle’s Player of the Year honors, edging out teammate Jake Hansen.
Casey compiled an 8-2 record and had a 1.53 ERA in 82 1/3 innings.
“He’s got a real nice loose arm, with three different arm angles. He’s got a cut fastball, two seam-fastball, changeup. Everything moves,” Grand Haven coach Mike Hansen said. “He doesn’t throw extremely hard, but you don’t have to throw hard to get people out in high school baseball. You have to be able to throw strikes and have people behind you catch the ball. That helps a ton.”
Casey moved into the role of the Bucs’ No. 1 pitcher this season. He was selected all-conference in the OK Red and all-district.
“I wouldn’t say he came out of nowhere because he’s been developing, but to put up an 8-2 number went beyond our expectations,” Hansen said. “He’s the kind of pitcher that every team needs.”
Casey also played first base when not pitching and batted .318 with four doubles and 19 RBIs. He singled in the winning run in a 2-1 victory against Grandville that gave the Bucs their first regional title in school history.
Courtesy of MLive. See the original article below.
By Mark Opfermann | mopferma@mlive.com
http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/829430399081926318/grand-havens-ace-pitcher-named-chronicles-player-of-the-year-in-baseball/
