Hanover Central keeps making history

Updated: June 8, 2011 8:22PM

Zac Maciejewski doesn’t recommend it for even the most desperate of dieters. The Hanover Central sophomore catcher figured he lost about four pounds after sporting catcher’s gear for 18 innings in suffocating heat and humidity, including 11 innings at the height of the day’s warmth, during last Saturday’s two games at the Class 2A Jimtown Regional.

He was worn out, exhausted, and literally drained.

But it was so worth it.

The Wildcats continued to make school history by capturing their first regional title, one week after winning the program’s first sectional crown.

And with those types of stakes on the line, Maciejewski wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to be on the field for the game’s final out and ensuing celebration, even if Hanover Central coach Doug Nelson suggested Maciejewski turn over the catching duties to another teammate after calling the signals in a draining extra-inning contest earlier in the day.

“I really wanted it,” he said. “I didn’t want to give it up. I wanted to be back there for the last pitch.”

Nelson obliged.

“He really impressed me with his toughness,” Nelson said.

Only a sophomore, Maciejewski already is a veteran for the Wildcats. He platooned at catcher and designated hitter last year. This year, he platooned at those two positions until past the halfway point in the season, when he took over the starting catcher’s role for good.

“He’s kind of wiser than his years,” Nelson said. “And he wants to be on the field.”

Maciejewski figures that will serve him well.

“It’s nice to be able to have this experience,” Maciejewski said. “It’s only going to benefit me the next two years.”

Nelson said he lets Maciejewski call about 95 percent of the pitches for the Hanover pitching staff, which is a veteran crew. Plus, Maciejewski holds his own throwing out runners and blocking pitches in the dirt.

“It’s nice because all our guys are good at hitting their spots,” Maciejewski said. “I know where all their pitches are going to go. They’re a pretty easy group of guys to catch.”

At the plate, Maciejewski serves as the team’s leadoff hitter, a bit of an oddity for a catcher. But he leads the team in batting average (.458) and stolen bases (10). His on-base percentage (.585) is also tops on the team, thanks to his patience at the plate, which has produced 21 bases on balls.

“It’s been a really good year,” he said. “A lot better than last year.”

After hitting .286 a year ago, Maciejewski said he wasn’t expecting to increase his production as much as he has this season. Nelson, however, isn’t surprised.

“We talked earlier in the year about expectations, and I expected him to do well,” Nelson said. “But you never know how well and whether he’s going to stay healthy. He’s done well us.”

Hanover Central (21-5) meets Taylor (27-4) at Saturday’s 2A northern semistate at Kokomo. The Wildcats are hoping for another first, which would earn them a trip to the 2A state title game. And, as you might guess, Maciejewski wants to be on the field for the final out.

“I don’t think anybwody predicted this for our season,” Maciejewski said. “It’s been awesome.”

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