Some have described the Chargers as the team with a one-two punch.
They meant that usually either a Schoenberg or a Terres played a role in the Chargers' wins.
They were not that far off the mark. Shawn, Eric, Corey or Jeff Schoenberg, or Nate or Jamie Terres figured much in the Spring Hill scoring last year.
The best known of that package is Shawn Schoenberg, who some consider the best player in the SCL-North. Schoenberg makes good contact with the bat (.373 ave) and has a good eye for the ball (14BB, .484 OBP) and has power and speed (7HR, 5DB, 11SB). He also delivered in the clutch driving in 21 runs.
He lead an impressive offensive line-up which had a .333 team OBP. Also getting on base to start rallies were Nathan Terres (23H, 11BI, 13R) and Jamie Terres, who had 32 hits and scored 20 runs. Eric Schoenberg had 16 hits with five doubles, and Corey Schoenberg drove in 17 runs with 21 hits. Veteran Dave Stalboerger had 12 hits last year. Joining that mix is the bat of Cody Eichers (.327 ave, 17H).
The team had 49 extra base hits last year, most of them coming because the Chargers can run. The team speed means the Chargers often have a runner in scoring position, with five players with at least 10RBI, they know how to get runners home.
On the mound Spring Hill again has some proven talent. Shawn Schoenberg, who had a 1.51 ERA across 82 innings last year, is the ace of a balanced pitching staff. Aaron Welle's 2.86 ERA, and 46 strikeouts come in 56.2 innings. He would be a starter on many teams. Eric Schoenberg and Chris Spanier each had over 20 innings.
The speed that helps the team's offense, also give the Chargers an edge defensively. Catcher Nathan Terres is among the better catchers in the area. Defensively the team is strong up the middle with Jamie Terres and Aaron Welle.
The team does have one area where it needs to improve. Manager Randy Schoenberg pointed out it had too many strikeouts as a team.
That problem could be cured with age and experience. The Chargers have had a talented team for some years, and this year the experience of those years may lead to a memorable season.
(Melrose Beacon)