Fast Pitches
Mike Grenier
If Kerry Desmond had done nothing more than stay in moderately decent shape in the offseason, she would've been a formidable pitcher in the Cape Ann League this season.
Ipswich High's junior ace already has two years of varsity experience under her belt. Coming off a 15-5 season, the hard-throwing Desmond could rely on her savvy and confidence to become a league all-star again.
But Desmond just doesn't want to be good — she craves greatness. So she spent the long, cold winter applying herself to a strict regimen that would enhance her game in every way.
Working with head trainer Steve Bunker at Mike Boyle's strength and conditioning facility in North Andover three times a week (2 hours per session), Desmond made enormous strides in improving her core strength. She also brushed up on her hitting once a week with former Bishop Fenwick coach Buddy Henry at Strike One in Danvers, and pitched as frequently as she wanted to in the batting cage located in the garage of her house.
That's right. Desmond can work on all her pitches from the high school regulation distance — this season it's been pushed back from 40 to 43 feet — from the comfort of the family garage. She's been doing it for years.
"Why not?" said the 17-year-old Desmond. "It's good practice, and it's free."
The results from all the offseason activity have been spectacular. Desmond is 7-1 with a 1.06 ERA and has struck out 71 batters in 46 innings. She tossed a no-hitter in a 9-0 win over Manchester Essex, fired a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts in a win over Georgetown two days ago, and fashioned a five-hitter and struck out nine in a milestone 8-0 win over defending Division 3 state champion North Reading, a team Ipswich hadn't beaten since 1996.
"She's just physically stronger — and it makes a big difference," Ipswich coach Doug Woodworth said of Desmond. "Her velocity has increased even though the mound has been moved back."
It's no mirage. Last season Desmond was throwing 55 miles per hour. Over the winter, she was reaching 60 mph. from the new, longer distance required in high school ball.
In the team's 5-1 loss to Division 2 state finalist North Andover two weeks ago, Desmond was clocked at 58-59 mph.
"I think the biggest difference has been in my leg strength," said Desmond. "I throw with more power and it comes from the legs. The hips drive the ball forward. But we also did a lot of ab work and upper body stuff (while working with Bunker), too.
"My (goal) is to lower my pitch count. I don't want to throw more than 120 pitches in a game. For the most part, the (pitch count) has been in the 70s and 80s. I'd like to be strong at the end of the year."
Desmond is looking for the Tigers to have an extended season. She gave up basketball last winter in order to concentrate on her softball preparation.
She loves the atmosphere surrounding the softball team. The Tigers stick together — they schedule things like a miniature golf tournament — and Desmond is quick to spread the credit around. Reflecting on the big win over North Reading, she said, "We played great defense that day, and defense is what wins games."
She feels the talent level could carry Ipswich pretty far in the postseason.
"It's the strongest team we've had since I started playing here," said Desmond, an honor student. "We have a freshman catcher, Liz Glavine (who is related to veteran major league star pitcher Tom Glavine) who is doing great, and we have Tiffany (DeFrancesco) in center. And I think we have the best infield on the North Shore with Kelly Michael (third base), Emma Docking (shortstop), Krista MacKenzie (second base) and Jackie (Hulpert) at first base.
"Overall, it's an amazing team. I think we can do better than last year (when Ipswich lost in the first round of the Division 3 North tourney)."
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Ipswich has an interesting team dynamic, to say the least. MacKenzie was Desmond's catcher for two years, and the combination worked so well that they seemed destined to be batterymates for four years.
However, MacKenzie switched to second base this season and the freshman, Glavine, took over behind the plate.
Why mess with a good thing? It's simple. The moves made Ipswich a better team. DeFrancesco went from second base to centerfield and anchors the outfield. MacKenzie and Docking are solid in the middle of the infield, and Glavine has adapted quickly behind the plate for a ninth grader.
"I knew in the offseason that Liz (Glavine) would be good," said Desmond. "She was around when I had pitching lessons (during the winter). Her footwork is good and she blocks the ball incredibly well.
"Liz had a homer in our first scrimmage against Bishop Fenwick. She's young but she's going to be really good."
As for MacKenzie, she's off to a remarkable start. After the team's first six games, she was hitting .689 (20 for 29) with seven doubles and two triples. And she's driving opponents nuts with her baserunning tactics and softball IQ.
"Krista has been nailing the ball," said Woodworth. "Teams play her to bunt and she reads the defense and shoots it by them, and she's the best baserunner I've ever had. She's so alert. She's just a pain for opposing teams. Kids call her 'The Bug', and that's a good description.
"This is another kid who does the extra stuff. Krista (regularly) goes to Tufts (University) for clinics and she plays AAU, Bay State games and indoor leagues. Basically, she's our Dustin Pedroia."
Fast Pitches, a column on North Shore high school softball, appears every Friday during the season in the Salem News. To reach Mike Grenier, call 978-338-2676 or e-mail mgrenier@salemnews.com
