Walsh finds his baseball role
When Brian Walsh first tried out for the Weymouth Post 79 American Legion baseball team two years ago, coach Tim Daley had never heard of the right-handed pitcher.
Soon, he came to appreciate not only Walsh's talent, but his dedication to the game.
Walsh tried out as a junior and a senior for varsity baseball team at Boston College High School, but was cut each time. The first time, Walsh knew he was a little inconsistent in his location. The second time, he understood the talent pool was deep.
"With kids from all over the place, it's going to be a little more competitive than other schools, but when I was looking at high schools, I wasn't thinking about sports that much," Walsh said. "I knew going in that it would be tougher to play sports here."
But Walsh didn't give up on the game. He tried out for the American Legion squad two years ago. Daley had never seen the 6-foot, 155-pound teen. Yet when he faced legion batters, he was effective. He displayed focus and ability that made him worthy of a fourth starter.
Walsh earned his keep, earning a 4-0 record. This season he has returned and is 1-0, has earned a save and has played a key role in Weymouth's 6-1 start. Walsh came on in relief last week against Braintree, facing a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the sixth inning, trying to preserve a 4-2 lead. He struck out two and got a fly out and then closed out the win in the seventh inning.
"It's very unique to have a player that was cut on your roster, and it's even more unique for him to make such major contributions," Daley said.
Walsh is an athlete. He played subvarsity baseball for two years. He also played soccer and ran track and field, but he has a special passion for baseball. Even though he wasn't on the BC High roster this spring, he still went to games and was supportive of the Eagles' run to the Division 1 state championship.
"A lot of my friends were on the team, and I was happy they were doing well. I didn't hold it against them that I wasn't on the team," he said.
He has certainly impressed Daley with his attitude. When Walsh is not on the mound, Daley said he can see him encouraging his teammates or attempting to steal signs.
When the baseball season rolls around, Walsh doesn't try to contain his excitement.
"I love playing on the team," Walsh said. "All the kids are really great." Daley "gave me a chance to pitch, and sort of overlooked the fact that I didn't play in high school. We're a really good team, and that makes it that much better."
This fall, Walsh will attend Boston College, and believe it or not, he may try to walk on to the Eagles baseball team.
"I figure it's worth a shot," Walsh said. "It certainly can't hurt. If I don't make it, I'll play club baseball or something like that."
Greg Hanley has been a key part of this two-year process, and encouraged Peter Plant to coach the team in its first season. Pembroke won its second game of the season last week, 3-2, against Kingston.
Pembroke has been on the losing end of a few close games that have either ended in extra innings or in the bottom of the seventh. Plant said he expects some challenges for the team in its first year but is pleased with the progress.
While many teams have received contributions from college players, Pembroke is mostly made up of high-schoolers. Pembroke High's Ryan Martin provides a steady bat in the cleanup spot. Pitcher Mike Sjolin, catcher Rob Rozzi, and infielder Kevin Plant, Peter's son, all are finding ways to contribute, representing Pembroke High. Duxbury's Brett Bartlett is stepping in on the mound.
Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.
