The list reads like a who’s who of high school pitching stars, past and present.
Eric Ruth
Mike Bradstreet
Kevin Christy
Greg Ball
Matt Quinn
Randy Mower
Andrew Huebner
Beau Ziegler
Dan Jaycox
There have been others who have left their mark, but the above list confirms that North Penn High School has been a pitching factory of sorts in recent years.
While Ruth and Bradstreet were leading this year’s Knight squad to its first ever state title, Beau Ziegler was wrapping up a stellar career at the University of Texas at Tyler. He recently signed a professional contract with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier Independent Baseball League.
Andrew Huebner put his name in the record books at Wagner as the all-time save leader. Randy Mower led his St. Joe’s team in wins and innings pitched. Dan Jaycox, a 2004 graduate, attended George Mason on a baseball scholarship, and more recently Matt Quinn (University of Maryland), Greg Ball (West Chester) and Kevin Christy (LaSalle) have added their names to the long list of former Knights to receive scholarships to pitch at the collegiate level.
It’s not a coincidence, according to coach Bob McCreary, that the same pitching coach has worked with all of those pitchers. North Penn grad Kevin Manero, who went on to pitch at LaSalle University, has filled that role for the last seven years.
“When you look at the pitchers that have come through here since he’s been here - that’s been the heart of our team, and he’s been directly responsible for their progress and their off-season workouts, their mindset and their preparation,” McCreary said. “It’s like having another head coach on the bench.
“He’s done such a great job with the pitchers.”
Manero, according to McCreary, offered to help out when he returned to teach English at his alma mater.“I knew his background,” the Knights’ coach said. “I was doing the pitching coaching prior to him, and that’s tough – being manager and pitching coach, so I was more than willing to say, ‘Alright, it’s all yours.’
“It frees me up to do all the other things I need to do, and I never have to worry about anything that’s going on.”
During North Penn games, Manero can be seen coaching first base or – when the Knights are in the field - in the dugout with his ever-present clipboard.
He acknowledges that his most recent ‘proteges’ - Ruth and Bradstreet - have been quick studies.
“Their best asset – as physically talented as they are – they’re both full of coachability,” Manero said. “They both listen, they both try new things, they both make adjustments, and they both work very hard and spend a lot of time playing the game of baseball.”
The Knights’ pitching coach recalls their early days on the varsity.
“I remember when Eric was a sophomore, he was pitching at Pennsbury, and a kid came up and slammed a line drive right back up the middle right off his shin and almost knocked him into the next week,” Manero said. “That’s such a distant memory compared to where he is now. He’s come so far since his sophomore year.
“When Mike came in as a sophomore, he had a little bit of life in his arm, but he didn’t have much movement on his breaking ball, but he adjusted. He experimented with some things and learned some things along the way, and what two great pitchers to have on your pitching staff. Guys you can sit back and watch them pitch.”
Bradstreet admits he never envisioned an ending like this one when he came on board as a sophomore.
“I was just hoping to make the jayvee team,” he said. “But we went so far last year, and the majority of the same people were back. It was a matter of everything clicking. This was our initial goal, and we achieved it.
“It feels fantastic. It’s a great way to end the year.”
Ruth shared a similar goal of hoping to make the jayvee as a sophomore and was surprised to see his name on the varsity roster.
“Since 10th grade, I’ve been working with him, and I developed my ability,” he said of Manero. “He’s taught me how to pitch a lot better. He’s taught me the little things and he’s turned me into a (great) pitcher.”
“He does an excellent job,” Bradstreet added. “He knows how to break down everyone’s mechanics. It’s different for every person.
“He’s a fun guy. He knows how to make everyone relax, and he knows how to be tough. He’s just a great pitching coach. He’s really helped me improve myself, and I’m sure he’s helped Eric improve himself. He’s helped us so much.”
McCreary points to Ruth, who will be attending Winthrop on a baseball scholarship, as a perfect example of Manero’s ability to develop talent.
“Eric certainly has been the most improved player I have ever seen come through North Penn,” the Knights’ coach said. “We saw when he was in 10th grade he had a live arm, but to project to where he is now – I don’t think anybody thought that, but that’s a tribute to Eric and a lot of hard work.
“He became a complete pitcher, and that’s where Manero comes in. Manero took him under his wing and taught him not only the pitches but the mentality of a successful pitcher. Everything you need to do to be a successful pitcher – Manero passed that on to him.”
And what makes Manero so effective?
“It’s a combination of having a top-notch knowledge of the finer points of pitching,” McCreary said. “He knows how to pitch well, and he also relates to kids very well.
“He just has that personality that draws people to him. He’s always positive and upbeat. He’ll get on them when he needs to and pat them on the back when they need that too. He’s a professional.”
A professional who has worked behind the scenes to make North Penn’s pitching staff a cut above the rest.
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