Baseball: Early spring start has Corey Jacobson, Newark ready to roll

JR Veliz had an unfamiliar start to his spring.

Nobody around Newark wished for the boys basketball team's regional loss, Veliz included, but it did create an unintended benefit to his baseball team.

"We had them all the first day of practice," Veliz said. "That was different. I wasn't expecting that."

It's a good thing the Norsemen got off to an early start.

That's because will be a very young Newark team. The Norsemen graduated seven starters off a 15-8 team, six of them starters. Newark has just one senior on its varsity team, but six freshmen.

It's especially beneficial to get the pitchers out there throwing early, and Newark has. The Norsemen open their season this weekend in downstate Jacksonville with three games against Plaza Heights Academy, Orangeville and West Carroll.

"Last year we were building up our pitchers arms in a week and a half, and then we had games," Veliz said. "Now we are able to have that process of building their arms up. Their arms are healthy enough that they could throw 85-90 pitches, not that we will right away. I'm excited about that."

He's excited about Corey Jacobson, projected to be Newark's ace. Jacobson will also play third base, and could catch a little. Veliz likes the presence Jacobson brings to the mound.

"He's an athlete," Veliz said. "He throws hard, and he throws that heavy ball. Usually our guys' second pitch is a changeup, but his second pitch for a strike is that curveball. It's pretty nasty. He's just one of those players that knows the situation and knows how to win."

Fellow junior Jacob Slivka batted close to .400 for Newark last year, and Veliz compares his baseball IQ to last year's All-Area shortstop Steve McGrath. Slivka started at second base last season, but with McGrath graduating will slide over to shortstop.

"He's like another coach on the field, which is nice to have," Veliz said. "I'm going to rely on him to pick up some innings on the mound. He throws pretty hard also, he's got a nice changeup that breaks."

Veliz has seen big strides on the mound from a third returning junior, Connor Swanson, and thinks he has a big spring ahead. Swanson, who hit close to .360 last year, will also play outfield.

"I've been telling him since his freshman year that if he could throw strikes I don't see too many people hitting him. He's my hardest thrower," Veliz said. "He's matured and now we're working on hitting spots and working on pitching, not just throwing."

Veliz has also seen growth from Brett Myre, who will play first base, pitch and could get time in the outfield.

All four of those returners are part of a strong junior class that Veliz hopes can mentor a young group.

"They're all leaders. I don't just have one," Veliz said. "I have some younger guys with little or no experience that need to step up. It's exciting, but nerve-racking. But this group here is so focused. They are just ready to go. They know when it's time to turn the switch."