Grant Regains Its Marble Just in Time

After spending the last six weeks recovering from a separated shoulder, pitcher-infielder Michael Marble of Grant High has received doctor’s clearance to play just when the Lancers need him most.

Grant (8-5, 6-0 in league play) will face Poly (9-3, 6-0) in a battle for first place in the Sunset Six League on Monday at Grant. For three weeks, these two teams have been beating up on weak league competition. Finally, they’ll get a chance to test each other.

Marble, who separated his non-pitching [left] shoulder in the alumni game Feb. 26, had the cast removed on Monday. For more than a month, he couldn’t shower. One classmate complained, “Turn on the air conditioner. It smells in here.”

Marble, a senior who helped Grant upset North Valley League champion Granada Hills in the City playoffs last year, hopes to be able to hit by Monday and pitch by Wednesday.

“I’ll be living at the batting cage this weekend,” he said. “My arm feels fresher than ever.”

Both teams have much to prove.

Grant did not play well in nonleague games against El Camino Real and Highland. But withMarble’s bat and arm, they should be an improved team. Marble’s absence has been a blessing in one way. It gave an opportunity for junior pitcher Larry Brown, who has responded with a 3-1 record, including a four-hit shutout of Hollywood Wednesday.

Poly is the favorite. The Parrots’ success might surprise many. They lost to Chatsworth last year in the City final, then lost their top returning pitchers, Manny Flores and Abraham Gonzalez, who transferred to San Fernando.

Coach Chuck Schwal turned to sophomore pitcher Eduardo Baeza, who is 6-0 with a 2.40 earned-run average. Poly has received a big lift from the versatile Zack Sims, a junior who is batting .405 with 12 stolen bases in 13 attempts.

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The Babe Herman tournament begins Saturday at Stengel Field and Glendale High. It continues Monday and Tuesday, with the championship game Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Stengel Field.

Jamie Shields of Hart, sidelined all season because of a strained back muscle, could make his debut in relief Monday against Hoover in a 4 p.m. game at Stengel Field.