Anthony Sacchetti sets the tone for Antioch.
It’s a significant responsibility the senior shortstop handles well.
“He’s ‘the guy’ for this team, and how he’s feeling is a reflection of how the team will be that day,” Antioch coach Frank Fracek said.
The Sequoits (18-11-2), who could win 20 games, have been pretty good. So has Sacchetti.
“The physical growth he’s undergone has been substantial,” Fracek said. “He’s really grown into the shortstop role and has an interesting skill set.”
Those skills are exhibited on and off the field. Between the lines, the 6-foot-1 Sacchetti has become one of Antioch’s top hitters while batting mostly in the top two spots in the order. He’s hitting .391 with a .462 on-base percentage.
Sacchetti also has the even-keeled temperament that’s vital around the dugout, especially with a youthful roster. Antioch has six freshmen and sophomores who get significant action. Fracek has noticed younger players gravitate to Sacchetti, looking for advice and direction.
Sacchetti’s success has been driven by a positive mindset.
“When I get to the field, I make sure there’s nothing else on my mind. There’s an instant mood switch,” he said. “That really brings the team together, trying to be positive no matter what happens in the game.”
Sacchetti, who will continue his career at Bryant & Stratton in Wisconsin, has gotten physically stronger too. Throws from the hole have become easier for him to uncork.
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“I made a big commitment to eating right and getting into the weight room,” he said. “You don’t have to max out every day, but build up those tiny muscles. My legs feel fresh, and it built up my arm strength.”
All in the family: There are multiple reasons to mention Zion-Benton’s AJ Neargarder and Dominic Diliberti together.
Neargarder’s mother and Diliberti’s father are cousins. Neargarder and Diliberti are also varsity mainstays as sophomores and will play prominent roles for the Zee-Bees in coming seasons.
“We’ve always been confused as brothers by a lot of people because we’ve hung out so much and we’re always together playing baseball,” Neargarder said. “Every summer when we were little, I would go to his house every day.”
But Neargarder and Diliberti are different players with different personalities.
Neargarder, by far the more extroverted of the two, is a shortstop who could become Zion-Benton’s No. 2 pitcher next season. He’d be throwing to Diliberti, who has caught literally every inning this season and is the more laid-back, cerebral of the two.
Diliberti, who works with Zion-Benton coach Tim Schiappacasse on scouting reports, is often allowed to call pitches. That requires knowledge of pitchers’ strengths, weaknesses and tendencies.
“It’s taken a lot of time and practice and not something you get right away,” Diliberti said. “Over time, you learn from different situations and how to approach hitters.”
Neither player lacks confidence. In fact, as fifth graders at Zion-Benton’s summer baseball camp, they told Schiappacasse they would be starting for him when they got to high school.
Years later, they’ve made good on that promise, and they won’t leave the field. It doesn’t matter if they’re feeling less than 100%, as has been the case for Neargarder since he fouled a pitch off his ankle earlier this season.
“I don’t like to sit out,” Neargarder said. “So the plan has been to battle through it and stay out there.”
Aguirre’s all over: When Waukegan coach Phil Maione is putting together a lineup, senior Danny Aguirre’s uncommon versatility makes that much easier.
“He goes anywhere I ever need him and does a quality job,” Maione said. “I’d play a game with nine of him on the field all day long and feel good about it.”
Aguirre is so well-versed defensively that he has started at every infield position except catcher this season. He has played more third base than anything else in the past, but the way he moves seamlessly from position to position makes it look like he has several other spots in his background.
“It’s pretty cool because it keeps me fresh,” Aguirre said. “I just try to be the best version of myself, no matter where I’m at on the field.”
Of course, Aguirre has had to become more familiar with some of the nuances of positions he’s not entirely used to playing. There are different angles off the bat and different responsibilities.
“Taking cuts from the outfield at shortstop is something I had to learn on the fly,” Aguirre said. “And you have to do different things to react to situations. But I take pride in being able to do a good job wherever I’m needed.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.