Locals earn league honors

Lonnie Kauppila was one of 18 local baseball players to earn all-league honors this past season.

BASEBALL: The four area schools have 18 players recognized for fine season exploits.
By Jeff Tully
Friday, June 12, 2009
BURBANK — There were some impressive numbers put up this past season by the area’s high school baseball players. In addition, the local teams also enjoyed some shining moments, as three of the four — Burbank, Burroughs and Bellarmine- Jefferson highs — were able to make the postseason. Only Providence didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

With successful athletes and teams, the locals were recognized with 18 all-league selections.

Perhaps the best season performance was turned in by Burbank junior shortstop Lonnie Kauppila. However, instead of earning Pacific League Player of the Year honors, Kauppila was selected on the first team. Bulldogs Coach Bob Hart thought that Kauppila deserved to win the player-of-the-year award. “I think he definitely deserved it,” Hart said. “He was the best player in the area this year, and that comes from a guy whose kid plays in the area. I just think it’s unfair that he wasn’t voted the MVP. ”Hart’s son, Kyle, is a senior pitcher at Burroughs.

Kauppila had a wildly successful season after transferring to Burbank from Crescenta Valley. Along with a .508 (30 for 77) batting average, he also had 25 runs batted in, scored 27 runs and belted 12 home runs for a 1.169 slugging percentage. In addition, he had 15 walks and only struck out five times. “Lonnie was such a big boost for our team this season,” Hart said. “He is a player who just makes everyone around him better.”

Burbank’s other first-team honoree was junior pitcher McCauley Taylor. Taylor was 4-4 with a 3.08 ERA and 44 strikeouts and 18 walks in 54 1/3 innings. He also batted .270 (16 for 78).