Birmingham High freshman Carlos Acuna becomes | College News

Whether it’s followers, gamers, umpires or his father yelling at 15-year-old freshman pitcher Carlos Acuna, the possibilities that he’ll show any emotion are slim and none.

“I don’t like showing my emotions,” he stated. “Once the other team sees it, that’s when they get a groove going. I hide it pretty good.”

He deserves an Academy Award for performing calm, cool and collected no matter the scenario.

Few freshman pitchers in the historical past of Birmingham High’s baseball program have carried out as effectively as Acuna, who entered this week with a 7-0 file, 1.09 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 57 innings.

“It’s been going amazing,” Patriots pitching coach Gus Rico stated.

Rico has identified Acuna since he was 7 years previous while teaching him on his son’s journey ball staff.

“He’s got an amazing arm and his baseball IQ is pretty good,” Rico stated.

Acuna’s father, Roger, and mom, Lisa, performed baseball and softball, respectively, at Burbank High. Roger continued to play grownup league baseball and would carry Carlos to video games. The Acunas are such a passionate baseball household that everybody sits at home in entrance of the tv watching Dodgers video games.

“My dad goes crazy,” stated the 5-foot-11, 188-pound right-hander, who performs shortstop when he’s not pitching. “It’s pretty funny.”

Acuna‘s father makes sure his son is learning lessons while watching the pros pitch. Acuna said seeing pitchers have the same routine and throw the ball “around the zone consistently” are two lessons.

His off-speed pitches have been effective this season. He has a slider, change-up, curveball and sinker to go with a good fastball.

He credits playing against older kids in helping his transition to high school.

“I’m used to greater, older youngsters,” he stated. “I know if I can’t get them with a fastball, I have to go off speed.”

The early days on varsity have been about making sure his new teammates thought he belonged. He had to earn their respect. Seniors all the time have skepticism about freshmen.

“Once you prove you can be there, you love it,” he stated.

Birmingham has received 5 City Section championships in 19 seasons under coach Matt Mowry but zero West Valley League titles. The Patriots need a sweep in a two-game sequence against El Camino Real this week to win the league title. Otherwise, they’ll focus on the Open Division playoffs. Pairings will likely be introduced Saturday and the championship recreation is May 24 at Dodger Stadium.

Imagine what it will be like if Acuna bought a probability to play at Dodger Stadium.

“Pitching at Dodger Stadium would be crazy because I grew up watching my favorite players there,” he stated.

Acuna and senior Kevin Olmos give Birmingham a formidable 1-2 pitching duo. They determine to do most of Birmingham’s pitching during the playoffs.

Last week, Acuna was sick and vomiting but still ready to throw 5 1/3 innings and give up just one run in a loss to Granada Hills.

The strain of the playoffs is one thing Acuna intends to embrace. Yes, gamers in the dugout will likely be shouting a little louder and the stakes will likely be increased, but he’s no strange 15-year-old.

“I’m really excited because I haven’t been there before,” he stated. “I want to see the atmosphere.”

If the environment is something like watching a Dodgers recreation at home, he’ll be well-prepared for the challenges forward.