Lindenhurst ace Vrana a real throwback
Lindenhurst pitcher Rich Vrana is just too modest. As the attention swirls all around his talent and the speculation of another championship run gains momentum, Vrana is able to deflect the credit toward all of the components that make Lindenhurst baseball successful.
The Bulldogs lefthander doesn't want to talk about his strikeout-per-inning ratio. He wants to talk more about the flawless defense of third baseman Ryan Manning. Or, he'll point out the outstanding range of shortstop Steve Skon. He'll even bounce into the outfield where Gold Glove recipient Mike Roehrig patrols for the Bulldogs defense.
It's never about Vrana when you talk to Vrana -- it's about the team. You have to admire the unselfishness and his ability to recognize what makes the team a champion.
Vrana finished with a 9-0 pitching record during Lindenhurst's brilliant run to the state Class AA championship last season. And the first person he credits for the success is catcher Alex Genao.
"He knows me and what I need to do to be successful," Vrana said. "He's been catching me for a long time and calls a great game. And we have great chemistry."
Vrana emerged as a key component to the Bulldogs march toward the state title last year in an early season game at Connetquot. Lindenhurst ace Tom Bammann had been felled by a line drive to the face and was taken away in an ambulance. While teammates and opponents stood in shock over the viciousness of the injury, Vrana was asked to step in and pitch.
"Our rotation was set and he was our main relief guy," Lindenhurst coach Mike Canobbio said. "He had pitched a couple of innings in middle relief against Whitman. But this was different. He was coming in to a game where our leader, our ace, was badly injured. And he said without hesitation, 'Coach, I got this.' It was like he had ice in his veins."
Vrana pitched a great game and Lindenhurst went on to win. He would step into the starter's role and throw 57 innings, including a complete game victory in the state semifinals. His ERA was 0.89, and he struck out 68 batters while walking eight, including two intentional.
"He has the ability to throw four different pitches for strikes on a consistent basis and work both sides of the plate," Canobbio said. "His two-seam fastball has very good movement. And his slider is excellent."
Vrana has the innate ability to work his way out of a jam by spotting his pitches well. He delivers his fastball in the 83-84 mph range. But it's not the velocity as much as it's the location that makes him so successful.
The 5-11, 198-pound lefty has committed to play for Division I Marist next fall. He's been tabbed to start the Suffolk League II opener against perennial playoff power Connetquot Monday afternoon. Only this time, Vrana will see them on his home turf in Lindenhurst.
"I'm excited about the season and the chance to defend the state title," he said. "We have an excellent defense and even though we open with some tough games we'll be ready."
Canobbio said Vrana has taken on the leadership role during practice.
"He takes the younger pitchers and runs our drills and pickoff sessions," Canobbio said. "He's a very smart kid with an academic average in the high 90s."
Vrana has a sweet swing from the left side and will also play first base for the Bulldogs. His contributions can come in many forms.
"I can see his value beyond the games," Canobbio said. "I can see it in practice and with his teammates."
Vrana made believers out of the Bulldogs during a critical moment in last year's championship run. The performance resonated throughout a magical season.
"He shut people down all season," said second baseman Vin Valela, who is fully recovered from last season's knee injury. "He helped lead us through a difficult time."
Vrana also pointed out that it's easy to pitch when the offense is scoring runs and there's no pressure to be perfect. The return of first baseman Kenny Skon also bolsters an otherwise potent Bulldogs offense that returns six starters.
"Nothing is guaranteed," Canobbio said. "But I like our chances every time Vrana gets on the mound. That's almost a sure thing."
Yankees pushed to brink, game 3 wrap ... Queens County Farm ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
Yankees pushed to brink, game 3 wrap ... Queens County Farm ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV