Munster’s Zadrozny hitting on all cylinders

Updated: May 13, 2011 9:00PM

Perhaps it was the ultimate sign of respect for a hitter who undoubtedly commands attention.

As Munster’s Angelique Zadrozny stepped to the plate against Andrean in last weekend’s Twin Lakes Tournament, she saw the 59ers’ outfielders backed up almost to the fence.

“They were standing on the warning track,’’ Munster coach Beth Thornburg said. “I’ve never seen that before. That surprised me — not that she’s not deserving because she is — but I’ve just never seen it. You can attribute that to her power to the opposite direction and her ability to hit the ball where it’s pitched.’’

Zadrozny was surprised to see Andrean’s outfielders positioned that way.

“I guess you could say it was a sign of respect, but when I get to the plate, I usually take a second to see where everybody is — so I can get an idea of where I might be able to hit the ball and get a runner in to score,’’ said Zadrozny, who had the highest batting average on the team (.382) as a freshman and hit .495 last season.

“I’m a pretty good hitter. I can hit that duck snort to maybe the opposite field for a single or double, too. I can play small ball and get those little dinky hits, too.’’

Zadrozny has been on a real roll recently.

She went 11-of-14 with nine RBI and seven runs scored to help Munster win the team title at Twin Lakes. She’s hitting a robust .537, with a slugging percentage of .940. She has 33 RBI and scored 24 runs. Her 36 hits, including eight doubles, two triples and five home runs, lead the team.

“She’s been hitting the ball well all year,’’ Thornburg said. “She’s an excellent hitter and has been an excellent hitter all along. Angelique has great hand-eye coordination. She’s very strong, but is also a very disciplined hitter. Very seldom does she swing at bad pitches.’’

Zadrozny has walked 16 times and has an on-base percentage of .631.

Despite a disciplined approach to hitting, Zadrozny has shown a penchant for hitting homers.

As a freshman, she belted five homers on the junior varsity team before moving up to varsity where she cracked two more. She smacked six homers as a sophomore and seven last year.

The first home run she ever hit came when she was 10.

“I hit my first one at the 190 field — I think it’s the D-Field at Community Park,’’ said Zadrozny, who said she doesn’t look to hit homers.

“To be honest, when you hit one, it doesn’t feel like you try at all. Sometimes, when I hit one, I’m like: ‘How did that one go over?’ I’m amazed at where the ball goes. I really have no explanation for it. You can’t really force them. They’re going to come when you’re just thinking about getting a base hit.’’

Zadrozny has been hitting for power since her first days on the diamond.

“I’ve always been a power hitter — even when I was little,’’ she laughed. “I’d be hitting off the tee and hit the ball to the outfield. I have a natural ability to swing the bat. It’s a matter of putting the time in. I always try to stay relaxed and trust my hands.’’

Zadrozny has always spent a lot of time practicing the game she loves.

“I’ve always had a passion for it,’’ she said. “I’ve always wanted to be good at it, so I work at it a lot. My dad (Rob) is a big reason I’m the player I am today, because of all the things he’s helped me with through the years.’’

Zadrozny’s dad still plays the game, too, swinging the bat for the Lansing Rockers in the 35-plus league.

“I think it’s fun to watch them play,’’ Zadrozny laughed. “They try. They really do.’’

While Zadrozny is looking forward to playing softball at Butler next year, she’s trying to concentrate on her prep career now and helping the Mustangs prepare for the postseason.

“There’s definitely a lot of unknown people who’ve done a lot to help our season go the way it has so far,’’ she said. “After a slow start, the whole team is doing something to contribute to our success. Whether it’s a sacrifice bunt, a stolen base, or a hit off the bench, it seems like everyone is contributing in a very positive way. We can pretty much count on everyone to do something.’’

The Mustangs (18-5, 9-3) who finished in a tie with Andrean for second place in the Northwest Crossroads Conference, face Lake Central in their first game at the Highland Sectional in 10 days.

“To win the sectional, we’re going to have to beat them at some point, so I think playing them first is a good thing for us,’’ said Zadrozny, who’ll graduate from Munster with honors.

Zadrozny, who plans to earn a degree in Biology and pursue a career in Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, said she chose Butler ‘because it felt like home.’’

Next to softball, Zadrozny’s second love is snowboarding.

“I’d like to move to Colorado,’’ she said. “I definitely want to be out on the Rockies as much as I can. If I wasn’t so committed to softball, I’d probably be snowboarding. Once college softball ends, I might think about competing in the Olympics.’’

While she admits to being care-free and likes to have fun, there’s a certain line she won’t cross.

“I won’t do big jumps, rails, or anything like that,’’ she said. “I’m cautious. I won’t be doing a half pike or attempting 20-foot jumps. It’s so much fun, I don’t really worry about it. I’m just not going to do anything to jeopardize my softball career.’’

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