Eddie McKiernan with aunt Val Castro. By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor If there was going to be a quick hire that would satisfy the players in the La Salle baseball program, the Lancers’ administration got this one right. There was no hiding the disappointment among the players’ in the school’s parting of ways with former […]
Eddie McKiernan with aunt Val Castro.
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
If there was going to be a quick hire that would satisfy the players in the La Salle baseball program, the Lancers’ administration got this one right.
There was no hiding the disappointment among the players’ in the school’s parting of ways with former coach Mike Parisi earlier this week.
Considering the circumstances, though, La Salle made a great choice in Eddie McKiernan.
The 28-year old former Monrovia superstar is the ultimate competitor.
McKiernan won a CIF title at Monrovia in 2006 as a player, and then lost in the title game a year later.
He was the area’s best player for several years and did as much damage at the plate as he did on the mound.
He was known as the’ ultimate competitor,’ because at the time of his prep heroics, he weighed no more than 145 pounds, and yet dominated in every way possible.
McKiernan then went on to play in the Angels and Diamondbacks system, before retiring in 2014.
He spent the last season with his alma mater and is thrilled to take over a 17-win team that returns much of its core.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take over a team with this much talent coming back and for such a great school,” McKiernan said. “I am looking forward to getting to work right away and doing as much as I can to make them better players and prepare them for the next level.”
La Salle returns our Pasadena Sports Now co-Player of the Year in shortstop Ethan Patrick and Pasadena Sports Now Pitcher of the Year, Zane Lindeman.
Both Patrick and Lindeman made it clear that they were deeply disappointed that La Salle let Parisi go, but that if it had to happen, McKiernan was certainly the guy they wanted to play for.
“Coach Parisi was the perfect fit for us and he cares about us as much off the field and he did on it, but we know Eddie is a CIF champion, a great competitor and someone who has a lot of experience in baseball,” Lindeman said. “I want to pitch and play for a guy like that, so I’m glad he’s the kind of guy that will lead us next season.”
Parisi went 37-22 in two years at La Salle, and as hurt as he is that he won’t see this class through, he too, thinks McKiernan is the right fit.
“I wish Eddie nothing but the best and I know what a great competitor he is,” Parisi said.
“You’re not going to get a better group of kids to coach. They keep you on your toes and they give it their all for La Salle. They have a lot of pride for their school and that’s what makes it special. I was very proud and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”
We asked McKiernan if he’s ready to immediately jump into the Lancers’ rivalry with perennial Del Rey League power Bishop Amat.
“My last high school game was a loss in the CIF championship game against them, so I am more than ready to compete again,” McKiernan said. “But this isn’t about me, it’s about us.”
Patrick, La Salle’s best player, has been around McKiernan in his youth and while he loves Mike Parisi, he is excited to play for a proven winner.
“Coach Parisi was by far one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for,” Patrick said. “It was always fun to be around him and he really pushed us to our limits. I am very glad I am able to say I played for Mike Parisi. I am looking forward to playing for Coach McKiernan. He is a great coach and knows the game well.”
McKiernan too starts a new era, but he was also classy and respectful enough to look back in appreciation of a program headed in the right direction.
Said McKiernan: “Coach Parisi did a great job putting the program in the right direction. I’m planning on continuing in the building of the program up, and being a good leader and role model to these kids.”
