Shannon Wirth’s final year at Reynolds High School was surrounded by thoughts of big things to come — but Wirth decided to pass on that.

In 2002 Wirth was drafted by the San Francisco Giants to play baseball in their minor leagues. “I was caught by surprise, and they liked what they saw.”

Wirth’s decision to stay in school and pass on the majors surprised some people, but gave MHCC head baseball coach Gabe Sandy a chance to teach him some things to prepare him for the next level. “He’s got three pitches he can throw for strikes,” he said. “When you have those working for you, you’re tough.”

Wirth has been tough this year — the Saint’s are leading their division by a game (18-5) and Wirth is 4-0 with an ERA right above 1. “It’s going great,” said Wirth.

Sandy thinks the team is about to hit its stride. “We’re not there yet but we are getting there.”

To get there, one of the first things a team needs is chemistry and Wirth said, “For the most part it’s really good; we have togetherness on and off the field.”

“Shannon has always been easy to coach. He is a proven, battle-tested warrior,” said Sandy. “The guy just knows how to throw, and he was born to pitch.”

Not all of Wirth’s thoughts are focused on his team’s success, though. He also has thoughts on steroid use in Major League Baseball. “It’s horse shit. (Athletes) really shouldn’t be able to use them,” he said. “Steroids don’t make you a better hitter, they only make you stronger. It’s more about hand-eye coordination, not just strength.”

Wirth knows exactly what the Saints have to do to be successful the rest of the season. “We’ve got to continue doing what we are doing, the younger pitchers are getting some education but all they really need is time.

McWhorter agrees. “They needed confidence, they got it.”