25598792
When the 2002 baseball season came to a close, the Furness team was presented with two options.
The squad could either stay in Division B, where it won just one game, or drop to Division C, where it went 12-1 to win the division title in 2001.
To coach Bob Weidinger, the choice was clear: Keep the pressure on.
"We could’ve gone down to Division C and fought for a playoff spot, but we are not going to get better down there," the coach said. "The better competition makes us better."
That might be the case, but the Falcons’ efforts are not showing in their 0-9 record heading into this afternoon’s home game against first-place Olney.The Falcons are coming off back-to-back double-digit losses to Saul and Franklin Learning Center.
Furness’ struggles vary from game to game. The Falcons will fall behind early and never recover, or take a lead they can’t hold. Either way, sophomore pitcher Michael Rohrbach said the repeated defeats are affecting the team’s morale.
"We know what our potential is, but we don’t always live up to it," he said. "We get in a hole and it’s tough to come back on the other team."
So how frustrating does it get? Senior catcher Chris Lauletta knows.
"I just want to go home after we start getting blown out," said Lauletta, who also plays baseball at Southeast Youth Athletic Association.
But often on the field, the Falcons seem like anything but a last-place team, as the players good-naturedly debate over who is the best hitter or fastest runner.
"I give them credit, they don’t get down on themselves," Weidinger said.
However, the coach added he needs to see more fire from his players, not just contentment with getting a hit.
"If the team wants to take the next step, we can’t have that mentality," he said.
Many of Furness’ athletes never played organized baseball before high school. For that reason, practices range from covering the basics to age-appropriate skills. Weidinger reminds his players of the correct techniques during games, including last Thursday’s 10-6 loss to Bok.
"You are dropping your arm," the coach shouted to Rohrbach on the mound. "Keep it up."
Next pitch, Rohrbach kept it up and threw a strike.
"See the difference? You kept it up that time," Weidinger said.
Now the Falcons just have to become more consistent in every pitch and inning.
"Hopefully they will improve and learn the game a little," Weidinger said. "We have one inning where we turn the double play and the next inning we’ll give up seven runs."
Part of the players’ daily homework assignment is watching Phillies games on TV. The coach hopes they’ll pick up some pointers by studying the big-leaguers in action.
Junior infielder Jonathan Rohrbach — Michael’s brother — who hit a three-run double against Bok, has become a major Jim Thome fan.
"Every time he is up there, he shows heart and wants to win no matter what," Rohrbach said of the Phils’ star.
The Furness player is getting serious about his own performance by playing this spring and summer at SEYAA. He hopes the extra time on the field could help him develop into an All-Public player.
Even if the athletes can start pulling out wins this season, the Falcons will likely miss the playoffs. In past years, membership in Division B was an automatic ticket to the postseason, but under new Public League rules, only the division’s top five teams make the cut.
Right now, the Falcons are more concerned with staying in Division B next season, which would now require winning at least three games.
Like a minor-league prospect trying to make the big-league roster, Furness will have to perform beyond expectations. Otherwise, the team drops to Division C.
The athletes are taking pride in knowing that no matter what happens, they are already on the path to improvement.
"We can’t be down on ourselves," Michael Rohrbach said. "We hope to get a little more experienced every year and get better."
Public League Division B standings (through yesterday)
Olney 10-0
Edison 8-1
Mastbaum 7-2
FLC 4-5
Bok 2-7
Fels 3-6
Saul 3-6
Bok 2-7
Furness 0-9
