Seniors' contributions not seen in the scorebook

Ryan Azar's value to the Cherry Hill West baseball team can't be found in the scorebook.

The senior's contributions aren't evident in the statistics sheet.

Azar never took the field in the Lions' first six games, except for warm-ups. He spent every inning in the dugout.

But don't tell Cherry Hill West coach Dan McMaster that Azar hasn't been a big part of his team's fast start. And don't tell Azar's teammates that the relief pitcher hasn't played a role in the Lions' rise to the No. 9 spot in the Inquirer Top 25.

"He epitomizes everything we are about here at West and everything South Jersey baseball is all about," McMaster said.

To his coach and teammates, Azar is special. But he's also typical in a way: A senior who doesn't play much but makes a difference with his positive attitude and unwavering support for his teammates.

Jared Brown and Frank Maldonado play the same roles at Williamstown. So does injured former starter Kevin Lammers at Bishop Eustace, as well as John Cooper at Clearview and Brendan Straub at Sterling.

The list goes on. At a time when their focus could be on graduation or proms or class trips or college plans, they are selfless seniors setting an example despite rarely seeing game action.

"These are the guys who make you want to coach," Williamstown coach Joe Smith said. "Great kids who put the team first. They do so much for team chemistry."

Brown is a reserve catcher who through Thursday had two at-bats this season. He sometimes warms up pitchers between innings.

Most of the time, he keeps the Braves' "spray chart" to record opposing players' batting tendencies.

"I just love the game," Brown said. "I like being a part of the team. I like helping out my teammates in any way I can."

Maldonado had one at-bat through Thursday. He has seen the field on occasion as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.

"It's the love of the game," Maldonado said. "I've played baseball my whole life.

"I know my role. I accept it."

Smith said his seniors are among the most vocal supporters of their teammates.

"They lead the cheers," Smith said. "They're the first ones to get the equipment. They chase foul balls."

Lammers is unique among seniors who don't see much action on the field. He's a top athlete who started for the Crusaders last season.

Lammers injured his back in the preseason and won't play as a senior. He's still a valuable contributor, coach Sam Tropiano said.

"He has become like an assistant coach," Tropiano said. "He keeps the chart. He helps call pitches. He comes to every practice and runs a hitting station, helps out with field work.

"He just has a tremendous attitude."

Lammers, who also was a standout football player, said he was "frustrated" at first but realized he could still make an impact for the Crusaders.

"It doesn't do me or the team any good to sit and sulk," Lammers said. "I realized I wanted to help out in any way that I can.

"I can teach the younger guys, and be a positive example for everybody."

Clearview coach Rocco Cornacchia said Cooper's "positive attitude" has been a factor in the up-beat atmosphere around the team.

"He always put his teammates first," Cornacchia said of Cooper, a reserve infielder.

Straub is a backup first baseman and pitcher who had one at-bat through Thursday. He walked.

"I've been with these guys for four years," Straub said. "I wanted to stay with them. I love playing with my teammates, helping out however I can."

McMaster said Azar's graceful acceptance of his role is even more impressive since his brother, Jake Azar, is a junior standout for the Lions.

In addition, the Azars' father, Todd, was a star player at Cherry Hill East and Old Dominion, and their grandfather, George, was a storied athlete in Johnstown, Pa., who played football and baseball at Michigan State.

"Ryan is a totally selfless player," McMaster said. "He has served as a leader and a mentor to the next generation of ballplayers."

Ryan Azar said he is proud of his younger brother's success and has seen his father's hitting records at crosstown rival Cherry Hill East.

"They're unbelievable," Ryan Azar said.

Ryan Azar said he loves baseball and being around his teammates. He hopes to see some action on the mound as the season progresses, but he's not frustrated by a lack of playing time.

"I look at it as I'm always having fun," Azar said. "I enjoy all the guys on the team. They are fun to be around.

"To me, it's rewarding just to be a part of the team."

McMaster said Azar is a solid pitcher who hasn't seen action yet because of "the numbers game."

But without throwing a pitch, Azar has made a valuable contribution to the team, the coach said.

"Our program is stronger because of him," McMaster said.

Azar plans to attend Kean University and study industrial design. He might try to make the baseball team, too.

He believes he can make a contribution as a pitcher and in other ways as well.

"I would never take the field with a negative attitude," Azar said. "I wouldn't bring that out to my teammates or hurt the team in that way.

"It's fun to participate, to be part of the team."

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