Todd Macklin

Barry Faulkner

When observers note the improved grip Todd Macklin maintains on the

pitching mound this season, they aren’t talking about the way he

grasps the baseball with his right hand.

Instead, they are referring to the increasing success with which

the Corona del Mar High senior standout contains the competitive

desires that used to telegraph an unproductive temper.

“He used to wear his emotions on his shirt sleeve, which didn’t

endear him to the umpires, changed momentum and had nothing but a

negative impact on him,” CdM Coach John Emme said. “This season, he

has matured on the mound and has continued to just get better and

better. He has really become a polished pitcher.”

Though there are occasional lapses, Macklin has scowled less and

sparkled more consistently this spring, helping the Sea Kings (7-4,

5-0 in the Pacific Coast League) establish themselves as strong

favorites to defend their league title. CdM, ranked No. 7 in CIF

Southern Section Division IV, is also expected to make a deep run

into the playoffs.

The USC-bound standout earned his fourth win in five decisions

Thursday and he brings a 2.49 ERA into the Pride of the Coast

tournament that begins today. The Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week

blanked PCL foe Laguna Beach for five innings March 28, striking out

eight and yielding just three hits. He also contributed offensively

to the Sea Kings’ 11-2 league win over University March 25,

connecting for his second home run of the season.

Macklin, who will pitch for the Trojans, said he enjoys pitching

above all else. But he is eager to contribute with the bat, typically

playing the outfield when not on the mound. He is hitting .286 with

two homers and six RBIs this season after having produced four homers

and 21 RBIs as a junior.

Also as a junior, he posted a 6-2 record with a 2.03 ERA with 41

strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings, en route to All-New- port-Mesa laurels.

With increased velocity and better command of his curveball and

changeup this season, he has fanned 32 in 25 1/3 innings.

That command, and the improved confidence it inspires, hase helped

Macklin become more poised on the bump.

“I guess I have more confidence,” said Macklin, who can blow

hitters away with his low-90s fastball, or leave them bewildered,

knees buckling with bat cocked on their shoulders, with his other two

pitches.

“It is fun to think you’re outwitting the hitter, but it’s always

fun to blow one by the guy,” said Macklin, who admits his grasp on

the art of pitching has come a long way since entering high school.

“I thought I knew everything, but the first varsity game I pitched

my sophomore year, I gave up five runs in a third of an inning.”

Macklin can’t pinpoint specific lessons that led him to his

current stature as an intimidating force on the mound. But he is

thankful for all the pitching advice he has received from those

including CdM pitching guru Steve Foreman.

“Everything is helpful and everyone has an opinion,” he said.

“Sometimes, you have to filter [suggestions].”

Macklin said the natural maturation process has helped his mound

demeanor, though he believes his competitive drive remains in high

gear.

He also believes the Sea Kings’ prolific offense -- they have

outscored their first five PCL opponents, 55-6 -- helps widen any CdM

pitcher’s margin for error.

“It definitely eases the tension,” Macklin said of his offensive

support. “If you do screw up and let a guy on base, that one run

isn’t going to be enough to beat you.”

Macklin also said the Sea Kings’ improved defense has compounded

his comfort level on the mound.

Macklin, meanwhile, enhances the comfort level of Emme and the

rest of the Sea Kings by exercising his grip on the game.