Veneman stands tall in 3rd win of season as Gregori cruises past Central Catholic, 13-1
Grant Veneman can’t remember a time when he wasn’t around baseball.
“I’ve had a bat and a ball in my hand ever since I could walk,” the Gregori High pitcher said. “It’s always been a passion. It’s my favorite thing to do in the world.”
He remembers being a taller pitcher at every level, an advantage he has always enjoyed, but a recent growth spurt has taken his game to the next level.
He grew recently from 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-5, which is taller than four of MLB’s top five pitchers in games played among starters during 2022, according to baseball-reference.com. He’s hoping he can add some more inches. For now, he is embracing the added benefits.
“It helps a ton … when you got a lot more length on you,” Veneman said. “You can reach out and get (the ball) past the hitter or hide it a little more.”
He hasn’t just relied on his height. He has put in the work, getting stronger and gaining more control of his pitches – a fastball, curveball and changeup – and he’s seeing it pay off so far this season.
Veneman pitched a gem in Wednesday afternoon’s non-league contest against Central Catholic.
He allowed just three hits, struck out four batters and gave up one unearned run in five innings of work as the Jaguars routed the Raiders, 13-1.
The senior remained perfect on the season and is responsible for three of Gregori’s five early wins.
“You could always see the potential was there,” Jaguars coach James Davis said. “He loves the weight room, he’s a great teammate, he’s worked his tail off and you’ve seen the growth last year. … To do what he did today against … one of the better lineups offensively in our area, that’s a testament to all of his hard work and what he’s done the last year to put himself into this position.”
The offense scored six runs in the bottom of the second and five more in the bottom of the fourth.
Felix Daclan finished with two hits and four RBIs, Tyler Hartzell knocked in three runs and Paul Contreras added two hits with a triple as the Jaguars put together a 13-hit performance.
“You got to do all the three phases. You got to pitch, you got to play defense, and you got to score some runs,” Davis said. “We haven’t exactly been crisp and clean, but this is by far the best game we played this season.”
Central California Athletic League play begins next week and the Jaguars are looking to improve on last season’s 7-8 league record. They ended up in fourth place, barely missing the postseason.
“We weren’t a playoff team last year.” Davis said.
“This is great momentum … I’m ready for league.” Veneman said.
Veneman is Gregori’s “Monday pitcher,” AKA the ace. He will likely start every series in league play and look to secure wins against last year’s CCAL playoff teams.
“He’s earned the right,” Davis said. “He’s our ace. He’s a guy that can go out there and do what he did against pretty much anybody. If he pitches like that, he’s gonna keep us in every game he pitches. He’s a bulldog.”
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 10:38 AM.
