Antonini leads O'Hara over Conwell-Egan
Stepson shines for father's team

Jun 02, 2003

By TED SILARY

  When John Fleming visits the mound to speak with Mike Antonini , the relationship is way beyond coach and pitcher.

  It's family.

  As Frank Allison continues to recover from health problems, Fleming is the interim baseball coach at Cardinal O'Hara High. Antonini , a senior lefthander, is the staff ace, as well as Fleming's stepson.

  They're not quite fire and ice, but they're in that ballpark.

  "I'm sure Mike will be glad when he moves on to college," Fleming cracked. "It's really hard on him. I'm an emotional guy and wear everything on my sleeve. He's more of a sensitive kid.

  "I try to treat him like I would everyone else. But I know I don't. I treat him harder . . . I know everyone's watching. To see if I play favorites. "

  Saturday at La Salle University, the Lions posted a memorable victory in a Catholic League semifinal, using four runs in the bottom of the seventh to stun Conwell-Egan, 10-9.

  By that time Antonini was playing first base, and he contributed to the uprising (he bats righthanded) by blooping a two-run double down the rightfield line against reliever Jon Squire.

  Hey, it was the least he could have done.

  With two outs in the fifth, Fleming suspected his son was out of gas. He even asked an assistant whether it was time to get out the hook. The assistant responded, "Nah, let Michael get this kid. "

  Boom! Mike Kane capped a great, hang-tough at-bat with a three-run double to right-center, giving C-E an 8-6 lead.

  Antonini then moved to first base and began to think.

  "I had to keep my focus and do what I could in my at-bats," he said. "I was disappointed. I kept falling behind hitters. I don't know what it was. Releasing high. I'm just not sure. "

  Before he batted in the seventh, Antonini was briefed about Squire.

  "The coaches scouted the Judge/Conwell-Egan [second-round] game," he said. "They said he likes to throw a two-seamer that runs away. I tried to take it to right. Didn't hit it great, but it got over the first baseman's head. "

  The inning began as singles by Kevin Ahern and Joe DiMenna and a walk to Brian Placido loaded the bases. Replacing Kane, Squire walked pinch-hitter Mike Conn to force in a run and Antonini tied it with his double. Todd Puzycki fanned Nick Longmore, then coach Rich Papirio issued an intentional walk to Steve Cook, already 4-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI, and set up a five-man infield. Backup rightfielder Dan Thiel ended it with a fly ball that dropped into right for a single.

  "We had a great attitude in the dugout," Antonini said. "We've had a lot of comebacks this year, so this was nothing new. It was a little scary when they got that run in the top half because that gave them another reason to have momentum, but . . . We kept saying, 'Stay up. Do it with the bats. ' "

  The win went to Brian Campbell, who pitched two innings (three strikeouts) after playing the first five at shortstop.

  Fleming has been part of Antonini 's life for about 10 years. He and Mike's mom, Kathleen, 4 months ago had twins, Gehrig and Jaime.

  "He knows what he's doing," said Antonini , who as a junior pitched a perfect game against West Catholic. "Sometimes I think I know more, but every kid does.

  "He does a good job in keeping me focused. He's tough. When I miss a spot. When I get the ball up. About my work ethic, which I think I'm developing pretty good. He makes sure I'm on top of things. He's always there for me. "

  Said Fleming: "It's hard for any kid to play for his parent. But you know what? The opportunity to coach your son is something I would never give up in a million years. I love seeing his excitement close up."