Alex Briggs (l) and Andres Kim (r). Photo courtesy Pasadena City College By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor Often times in championship seasons, there may be an athlete who receives more accolades than others. For PCC, that guy is Jeremy Conant. He’s set school records in career hits (123) and RBIs in a season (42). He’s […]
Alex Briggs (l) and Andres Kim (r). Photo courtesy Pasadena City College
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
Often times in championship seasons, there may be an athlete who receives more accolades than others.
For PCC, that guy is Jeremy Conant.
He’s set school records in career hits (123) and RBIs in a season (42). He’s also going to set an single-season batting record, which stands at .401. Conant is currently hitting .449.
And while Conant has been incredible, it took a roster of 27 talented and dedicated players, and a solid coaching staff to earn PCC its first South Coast Conference North Division championship, and subsequently, its first playoff berth since 1972.
The Lancers face Riverside Community College today at 2:30 in a best-of-three series.
The winner of today’s first game will need just one win on Saturday to advance.
If PCC is to knock off RCC and move on, sophomore second baseman Andres Kim and shortstop Alex Briggs will have likely played a major role.
Andres Kim in action
Kim and Briggs provide the Lancers with a solid defense up the middle and an offensive spark, but most importantly, they are leaders that coach Pat McGee said was necessary to change the culture at PCC.
Both young men are intelligent, articulate and accountable for their own actions.
They’re also very durable athletes, and character guys that can be counted on daily.
Kim is a St. Francis High product and hits in the leadoff spot.
He’s currently hitting .346, which is third best for the Lancers.
Kim has 47 hits and has 39 runs scored, which had tied the PCC single-season mark.
He is also the only Lancer to play in all 37 games this season.
Kim had a 10-game hit streak earlier this season and currently has hits in the last six games.
In the leadoff spot, Kim has an on-base percentage of .453 and leads the Lancers in stolen bases and runs scored.
His prowess on the field and at the plate earned him first-team all-conference honors.
Alex Briggs in action
“Andres and his development has set the tone for the record breaking offensive season PCC has had,” coach Pat McGee said. “No individual has made a greater commitment to their development and changing parts of their game in order to be successful beyond the high school level. He struggled in the fall mightily, but instead of giving up, or feeling sorry for himself, he worked his way to success. Along with John Bicos and Ardon Fryer, Andres followed practices daily with time in the batting cage and it has absolutely paid off.”
Kim is proud of many things this season, but perhaps no more than turning a punching bag of a program into the punchers.
“We all work hard on the field and I really believe hard work is contagious,” Kim said. “It definitely feels good to know there is a change in the air and that the program is headed in the right direction. At the end of the day, I do feel a sense of pride knowing that our team’s hard work is being rewarded and that we still have so much to offer.”
This kid is also as loyal as they come.
While many players primary focus is getting to the next level and what college they might attend, Kim’s only concern right now is PCC and preparing for today’s playoff opener.
“I’ve had contact with a few schools who are interested, but I’m honestly not too focused on next year at the moment,” he said. “My main focus is to come out to the field and get better every single day so that I can help my team win.”
Briggs has been a leader that McGee can rely on in any situation.
He’s hitting .285 with 39 hits, 28 runs, 21 RBI, 10 doubles and has an on-base percentage of .407.
In his two years at PCC, Briggs has racked up 79 hits, driven in 40 runs and has 15 doubles.
But his play at shortstop and his ability to carry out McGee’s message and philosophy have been priceless.
“It has been a privilege to coach Alex Briggs for the past two years,” McGee said. “Without hesitation, I can say that landing Alex was truly the turning point in the rebuilding of Pasadena City College baseball. While other players certainly have tremendous value and may play other aspects of the game at a higher level, Alex is the centerpiece of how we want to build out team.”
Briggs’ character and skills landed him a scholarship to Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.
Many see the series with Rio Hondo College as the turning point of the season.
In the first game, to set the tone, Briggs had a five-hit performance.
His range and arm make it possible to make plays in the 5-6 hole that many college shortstops are unable to make.
The 6-foot-3 Glendora High product earned second-team conference honors.
This season, he led PCC with 105 fielding assists and was one-half of 11 double plays being turned.
“I see myself as the guy who is on our guys to be locked in at all times. I try to keep everyone working hard so that they can be the best they can be in order to help the team,” Briggs said. “I first realized that we could be something special in the fall. When I saw how hard everyone worked, whether it was hitting before and after practice or taking extra ground balls, I knew.”
Briggs is also proud of the strides PCC has made under the McGee regime.
“Being a part of the team who brought PCC back into the mix of good baseball schools is definitely an honor, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished as a team,” he said.
With a near half-century absence from the postseason, PCC is not nervous, because not only were they not a part of the drought, the Lancers leaders, including Briggs and Kim have the younger players focused on doing their individual jobs.
“Our mind set hasn’t changed from the regular season,” Briggs said. “As long as we stay together and play our game, I think we’ll make a good run in the playoffs.”
Both Kim and Briggs are humble and respectful young men, and when asked how they hope they’re remembered by their coaches and the younger players, both said, “that we worked hard and were dedicated to this team.”
Quotable:
PCC coach Pat McGee on Andres Kim: “Because of Andres’ willingness to go the opposite way, he’s become one of out toughest outs. Andres is a relentless worker and wants to be great at whatever he does. He and Alex (and JJ Jimenez, Jeremy Conant) have played elite defense all year, and Andres sets the one and serves as a force in the leadoff spot.”
PCC coach Pat McGee on Alex Briggs: “Alex has earned the respect and love of his teammates because of the person and player he is on and off the field. It’s been one of my true joys as a coach to be a part of his evolution and journey. He has set the standard for all PCC players and especially shortstops to come.”
PCC first baseman Jeremy Conant: “Andres is a great leadoff hitter for us that runs the bases very well, and plays a solid second base. Briggs is the backbone of our defense since he is our shortstop and has a great glove. He also swings the bat well when we need him. A great leader on and off the field.”
PCC pitcher Matt McElligott: “Pitching with these two guys behind me gives me such confidence on the bump because I know if a ball is hit their way, they will do anything to stop the ball and get an out. We have one of the best defensive teams and they are big contributors in it, also with Jeremy at 1st and Jose at 3rd.”
PCC pitcher Paul McAllister: “Pitching with Andres and Alex as my middle infield has given me and the whole pitching staff confidence to pitch to contact. Our whole infield with JJ, Alex, Andres and Jeremy is one of the most reliable infields I’ve thrown in front of. Alex and Andres have made some spectacular plays in keys moments, keeping our team in the game. It will be difficult not having them as a middle infield next year.”
PCC pitcher Nick Esparza: “Pitching in front of Alex and Andres and having them as our middle infielders makes me comfortable every time when the game is on the line or if we need a key stop because they will get it done. Those guys are vacuums on the field.”
Getting To Know Andres Kim:
Favorite Team: His PCC Lancers
Favorite Player: Manny Ramirez
Favorite Movie: Back to the Future
Favorite Musical Artist: Wiz Khalifa
Most Surprising Artist On His Ipod: Stevie Wonder
Famous Person I’d Most Like A Conversation With: Tim Tebow
Getting To Know Alex Briggs:
Favorite Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Favorite Player: Troy Tulowitski
Favorite Movie: American Sniper
Favorite Musical Artist: Mike Stud
Most Surprising Artist On His Ipod: Bruno Mars
Famous Person I’d Most Like A Conversation With: Dwayne Johnson
Playoff Series Dates & Times (Best of 3):
May 5: Riverside Community College vs PCC at Brookside at 2 p.m.
May 6: Riverside Community College vs PCC at Brookside at 11 a.m.
May 6: Riverside Community College vs PCC at Brookside (if necessary) at 2 p.m.
