BEREA, OHIO - Three Euclid High School graduates, sophomores Jim Palko and Jimmy Martin and freshman transfer Mike Palko, are excited about getting back on the baseball diamond this spring. All three are expected to do it at Baldwin-Wallace College.

 

The elder Palko and Martin recently returned to Greater Cleveland following a 6-5 start to the season on B-W's annual spring break trip to Ft. Myers, Florida. The younger Palko, who transferred to B-W this winter after beginning the year at Marietta College, will join the team now and be a member of the junior varsity squad.

 

"We think that both Jim Palko and Jimmy Martin can help our ballclub this spring," said B-W 40-year veteran Head Coach Bob Fisher, who has 656 career wins. "Jim Palko had a solid freshman season a year ago and has already pitched well this spring. Jimmy Martin started four games at second base for us. We also think Mike has potential and are looking forward to getting a chance to see him play with our J.V. team."

 

"We want to build off last season," said Jim Palko, who led the staff with a 2-0 record and compiled a 2.61 earned run average in Florida. "We've worked hard throughout the winter. As a staff, we've identified some positive traits that we want to continue to do well, and we've identify some of the things that we need to work on gto improve. Overall, I think we're pretty excited to start our northern schedule."

 

"In Florida, we played strong and we played together," said Martin, who batted .200 with three runs scored, a double and a stolen base." We just want to get some momentum going when we start conference play. We're looking to compete for the top spot this year."

Jim Palko was excited about his and the team's solid start to the season.

 

"It started with summer and fall ball," said Jim Palko of his improvements from last spring to this spring. "I wanted to fine tune some of my mechanics. Once fall ball ended I started hitting the weights pretty hard and mixed in some running. I made sure I was doing something everyday to get ready."

 

In 2007, Jim Palko was a pleasant surprise as an addition to the Yellow Jacket pitching staff when he led the senior-laden pitching staff with a 2.63 ERA and compiled a 2-1 record in eight appearances, including three starting assignments. He also pitched two complete games and tallied 18 strikeouts and was named OAC Pitcher of the Week on April 23.

 

"I wanted to create a presence on the mound this season," said Jim Palko. "Although I was a sophomore, I want to set an example for the other guys on the team. It didn't matter how big of a game it was, I was going to give my best effort, and that's what I expect from myself and my teammates."

 

Mike Palko has been waiting to get back on the diamond even longer. The standout former Panther underwent Tommy John surgery in June, 2006. He enrolled at Marietta last fall. After obtaining the proper release forms from Marietta, he transferred to B-W this winter.

"I wasn't physically ready to play in games," said Mike Palko of his post-surgery condition." I sat out the fall and I thought it would be a better situation to play at B-W. It was closer to home."

 

He went through winter practice sessions at B-W and will be on the J.V. pitching staff.

 

"I've been out for a while," said Mike Palko. "I need to earn the right to play on the varsity. I really just need to get seasoned again because I haven't pitched competitively in over two years. I'm really looking forward to getting a quality education and becoming better in all aspects of my life. And, of course I want to play baseball."

 

Martin is a player who is quickly improving in the middle infield and may have the starting position by his junior season. As a freshman, Martin saw action in 13 games and started five contests, but only had a total of 21 at-bats. He hit .190, but made an impact in the field with a smooth glove.

 

Martin is patiently waiting in the wings and is the backup to senior second baseman Nate Luken (Dayton/ Chaminade Julienne). He was asked about his goals for the coming season.

 

"I didn't do that well on offense last season," said Martin. "I'm looking forward to turning it around this season. With more game time and repetitions, I know I can hit at the collegiate level.

 

"I want us to grow as a team, both on and off the field," continued Martin. "We want to compete well in the OAC this season and hopefully come out on top during the regular season and host the OAC Tournament in May. We're excited to see what happens."