2009 Breakdown
Steve went after 2009 like every year, be better than the year before. For
the most part he did just that. He lead the league in HR's for the 3rd time in 4 years, He won the triple crown.
He became only the 3rd player to do that. He made the playoffs for the 7th straight season. Also he was voted
into the AS game for the 9th time. He managed to become the 4th player to win over 100 games in his career also.
Then there was pitching.... 1 season removed from a Cy Wiffle Season it was up and down all year. He lost 9 games
and finished 1 game over .500. Thats 7 more losses than in 2008. Although Steve made the playoffs it was the same
old story once he got there, he cant get past the semi's and win the big one. He has been in the semi finals 4
times losing 3 of them by being swept 2-0. His only Finals appearance was a 2-0 sweep as well in 2006. This year he ran into Runner-up and 2009 Cy wiffle winner Elliot. Although it was close games Steve couldnt finish
games and lost in the late innings.
2009 High Point
Hit his 700th HR. Was the HR king for the 3rd time in 4 years.
Steve threw his 1st No-hitter with a 3-0 win over Spleen on September
6th. Won his second straight MVP and Silver Slugger award.
2009 Low Point
Lost in the Semi-Finals for the 2nd year in a row. The lowest point of
the year was when he lost to Zack after Blowing a save for Spleen.
Playoff Chase
Steve didnt manage to get more than 2 wins in a row throughout the
season. He didnt lose more than 2 in row either. That is what kept him in the playoff hunt the entire
season. His 10-9 record was good enough for the 6th seed and a playoff rematch with his brother Seeatch.
For the 3rd time in 4 years Steve bested his brother in the 1 game match-up. Then it was onto to face 2008 Runner-up
Elliot. Steve managed to put a good effort. It wasnt good enough though as he couldnt hold leads in game 1 or 2.
Steve was swept out of the semi's for the 2nd straight year. He just couldnt beat the good
competition when it counted. He finished with a below .500 record vs the top 8 at 5-6.
2010 Outlook
2010 should bring the same Steve at the plate. Look for him to once again
be in the hunt for the HR title and maybe the Triple Crown again. He has hit 421 HR's since 2006. Steve is only
66 HR'shy of 800 HR's and needs 77 to become the All-Time leader in HR's at Pops Park. Cary currently is a top that list
with 810 HR's. Look for Steve to hit between 70-80 HR's. His fielding should remain consistant. he should
make the plays that should be made. There is work to be done on the mound though. He needs to be able to stay consistant.
The biggest way to get that is to cut down on the walks and hits. That will let the runs allowed be lower. Steve
had 42 more walks, 39 more hits and 69 more runs allowed in 2009 than in 2008. That was the biggest factor to his 2.23
point higher Era. He should be once again in the playoff hunt. He wont see much higher than a 6 or 7 seed if he
cant fix a few of those problems. Look for 8-12 wins.
Hot Stove Interview with Adam "The Steve" Sears.
HS:
You were able to achieve a lot of accomplishments in 2009, among all of your awards, milestones, etc., which accomplishment
from 2009 meant the most to you and why?
Steve:
Well, every milestone and accompishment is very special to me. I think though if i had to choose it would be that i was able
to throw my first No-Hitter. I have come so close so many times and to be able to finally finish one was great. In 21 seasons
there has been over a hundred people who have hit a HR. There have only been 24 who have thrown a No-Hitter. I am proud
to be on that list.
HS:
Numerous times in your career you have made it to the playoffs with a strong pitching performance in the regular season, only
to fall short from winning a championship. What would it mean to you to win your first ever HRL Championship? And what do
you need to focus on in order to get there?
Steve:
Well, I think that although i have pitched well enough to win in the playoffs, I just have not been able to finish the job.
I have lost close games. 3 of the 4 times i made the semi's i have lost. My only finals appearance in 06' i lost
two 4-3 games in the finals and was swept by Harry. I think what i need to do is just continue
to do what i have always done, sooner or later i will catch a break and it will be my year. I just have to have the right
amount of luck with skill at the right time.
HS:
Are there any changes you would like to see in 2010? These could be anything from rule changes to field changes, etc…
Steve:
I think that the speed is the biggest thing that needs to be tackled. I have spoken with many players and with the increase
in speed it hasnt been as fun the last few years. This league was built on Friends getting together to play FUN,
Competitive Wiffles, Base running and a 35 MPh Speed limit. If people are not having fun because the speed isnt 35 we
are only left with base running and cracked foundation for the league. So its going to change for the best intrest of
the HRL.
HS:
Home runs were clearly one of your strengths in 2009. Not only did you hit your 700th career homer but you also
finished as the home run king for the second straight year. How did it feel to reach 700 and do you think you can reach 800
by the end of 2010?
Steve: I
was very proud to be able to reach the 700 HR plateau. Only 3 others have ever done it ( Cary, Truck, Randy ) I
think that i have a great shot at 800 this year. I hit 79 last year and only need 66 for 800. So i think
that if i can just try to be better than last season i should get there. Nothing is for certain but
i am confident i can do it.
HS:
You have established yourself as one of the top players in the HRL, by winning back to back MVP and Silver Slugger awards.
With that being said, is there any part of your game you need to improve on for 2010?
Steve:
Well, No matter what i do in one season i always tryt o improve on all my numbers the next year. I think that i just
try to stay consistant at the plate, Solid in the field and try to make the playoffs. Pitching though is what i think
i need to make a big improvement on in 2010. I was too inconsistant on the mound this past year and let up far to many
walks. That led to the big jump in Era for me. So its back to the drawing board for me on that end of things.
HS:
Over the past couple years, you have basically taken over the HRL and currently hold the title of “President of the
HRL”. As the current President, what are your goals for the next few years, and what needs to be done in order to keep
this league running strong?
Steve: Well,
I have been involved with helping run the HRL since my second year here. I have just been "President" the
last 2 years basically. In recent years things have gone away the foundation of the league and
the field was falling apart. We started to fix things a bit in 2007. Then in 2008 we were able to get the lights
back on. This past year we put in a "New" RF fence and painted the Foul poles and Fence. WE also fixed LF and
some of Center. Things are starting to shape up. My goal is that by 2012 we will have the Park completely renovated
and looking great. I think that getting new players and old ones to come back will be what propels us to another
20 years of success. Its just getting back to the basics with playing FUN, Competitive Wiffles. The biggest part
of the success will be having everyone working together and helping make the league as great as it can be.
HS: What are your predictions for 2010?
Who are the frontrunners to win the 2010 HRL Championship? And are there any sleepers you see to make a surprise run at the
title in 2010?
Steve: I think that there is a few that
i would think will be the lead guys. Dan ( The current Champ ), Elliot the Runner-up the last two years. I would
not count out Dave either he is consistantly in the final 4. As far as sleepers, I think that My Brother will have a
legitimate shot as long as he doesnt see me in the playoffs.
HS:
Is there
anything you would like to say to the league or player for the upcoming season? Maybe an opening day Challenge?
Steve: I
dont have any challenges right now. To the League: I think that 2010 can be one of the best years that we have had. I
think that its going to take everyone to help make that happen. So please come out and help out. If everyone
can just help in some small way we will be able to accomplish big things! Thanks everyone.
