Central-Southeastern baseball coach Dave Swisegood meets with his players after winning Friday night’s game against Canton. Swisegood now has 892 career wins, moving him into a tie for the most all-time wins in Illinois High School Association history. (H-W Photo/Jennifer Coombes)
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By MATT SCHUCKMAN
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
AUGUSTA -- Most of the Central-Southeastern baseball players had a theory for what Suns coach Dave Swisegood might do with the game ball used to record the final out in Friday's 10-1 victory over Canton.
"He'll probably use it to hit infield tomorrow," catcher Garrett Janssen joked.
Don't bet on it.
Although he tucked it in his coat pocket for the time being, Swisegood had plans for the ball that commemorated his 892nd career victory, which tied him with Oak Park-River Forest coach Jack Kaiser for the most in Illinois High School Association history.
"I'm going to put it right on the mantle," said the 77-year-old Swisegood, who will attempt to break the record Monday when the Suns (6-4) travel to Lewistown. "And I'm going to look at it."
He expects it to elicit a flood of memories.
"The real memories I'll have are of the players who have given me that," said Swisegood, who has a career record of 892-480. "I mean that. I've been blessed with good players."
Like the ones who made the record-tying victory look so simple.
Sophomore left-hander Sean Grosnic did not allow an extra-base hit, struck out six, walked two and picked off one in his most high-profile and pressure-packed start of the season.
"I really wanted to pitch the record-tying or record-breaking game," Grosnic said. "But I'm so speechless about it. I'm just glad I won."
His composure was critical, especially when a throwing error by shortstop Regan Bruenger and back-to-back singles -- all with two outs -- led to Canton (5-1) taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the third.
"Last year, a couple bad things may have gotten to him a little bit," Janssen said. "I think that shows his maturity. He's grown up a little bit. He's pretty good. When he's on, he's tough."
Getting some help from his defense made Grosnic tougher.
Following the error in the third, Central-Southeastern buckled down to end two innings on force plays at second base and closed the game with a double play on a grounder up the middle that left Swisegood smiling.
"Swise is a competitor," Janssen said. "Anything it takes to win, he's all for it."
That's especially true of taking an extra base.
Down 1-0 in the third, Brent Kassing got C-SE's rally started with a one-out walk. Markus Vonholt doubled to right-center field -- the only extra-base hit in the game -- took third on a wild pitch and scored on a throwing error by Canton catcher Lucas Barton.
In the fifth, the Suns plated three more as two runs scored on wild pitches and Kassing stole home on the back end of a double steal.
"What I really appreciated the most was they got the first run and we came right back," Swisegood said. "Any coach loves that. We didn't fold up the tent."
No Swisegood-coached team ever will, which is why the all-time victory record is nearly his alone.
"I'd be lying if I said it didn't mean anything," Swisegood said. "I still think the thing I am the happiest about is my team having success. Those guys deserve this. I haven't had a hit all year. They are getting it done."
There's extra incentive for that.
There's history being made.
"It's unbelievable," Janssen said. "That doesn't even happen just once in a lifetime. As many years as he's been around is what's remarkable. He's just a legend."
That's why a legendary celebration awaits.
Other than an ovation from the small crowd gathered at the Southeastern High School field and an on-field cheer from his team, the postgame activities were fairly similar to Swisegood's first 891 victories.
"The next one is the one we're waiting for," Janssen said.
That's when Swisegood will stand alone.
-- mschuckman@whig.com/221-3366
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