Richmond takes reins at shortstop

By WILLIAM KALEC
Collegian Staff Writer

Joe Hindelang is usually full of answers.

Ask a question and the Penn State baseball coach of nine seasons will be quick to respond with a well-spoken, witty reply that leaves the person inquiring about Hindelang's opinion very satisfied.

But at the beginning of the 1999 baseball season, Hindelang finally met his match.

The biggest question surrounding the Nittany Lions entering this year's 56-game slate was who would replace graduated starting shortstop Adam Beers' .305 batting average and power at the plate, which included 13 home runs and 41 RBIs.

To that question, Hindelang did not have an answer.

But little did Hindelang know that last season when he got a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Star and USA Today All-State Honorable Mention to sign on the dotted line to play his collegiate baseball in Happy Valley, the coach found the solution to his problem. Hindelang's find from North Allegheny High School would not just be another nameless face in the Lions' 16-man recruiting class.

Instead, Hindelang found something else in star recruit John Richmond -- the answer.

"This team is so young and some guys are really stepping up for us," Hindelang said. "John Richmond has been a pleasant surprise for us and has been anything but a freshman so far this season."

In fact, Richmond has been anything but an average collegiate baseball player, let alone a freshman.

He has left fellow shortstop candidates Mike DeRenzo and Chris Wright on the bench watching the exploits of Richmond -- Penn State's new shortstop institution.

"I think (Richmond) has been a major reason why we are kind of surprising people early on," Penn State right fielder Dan Beers said. "He just comes out and makes plays and he is going to be making plays for a long time at that position. I am very secure with him at shortstop."

So far, Richmond has given no indication that the decision made at shortstop isn't a secure one.

Fifteen games into his Penn State career Richmond is the fourth leading batter, posting a .317 batting average while knocking in four runs. His counterparts, Wright and DeRenzo, are hitting well below the Mendoza line. Richmond has also committed only one error in 11 career starts.

And he is only a freshman.

"When I signed with Penn State I never expected this so early on, basically I just wanted to find my role," Richmond said. "I just want to be ready when the coach calls my number."

Richmond's number 20 has been called a lot.

It has been called to fill the void left by Beers.

It has been called to provide a spark in the Lions' lineup.

It has been called to solidify a Penn State infield with spectacular defensive play.

And if this trend continues, Richmond's number 20 will be Hindelang's answer at shortstop for the next four springs -- no questions asked.