Last year with the Orleans Cardinals right-handed starting pitcher Shawn Weaver, a senior at Old Dominion University finished the season with a 5-2 record, and a 1.11 ERA and was selected to the Cape League All Star team.

He pitched 65 innings and gave up 35 hits while allowing just 16 runs, only eight of which were earned and struck out 54. Last season at Old Dominion he was 9-5 with a 4.94 ERA. Weaver went 102 innings striking out 75. In his senior year at Bald Eagle Nittany High School in Loganton, PA. he had a record of 9-1 with a 0.52 ERA, tossing three no hitters and striking out 14 straight hitters.

He was ranked in the top 100 players in the country in 1997 by Baseball America and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, but did not sign. Weaver is currently 2-1 for the Kettleers with a 3.65 ERA. In 24 and two thirds innings he has allowed 24 hits while striking out 17. In his young, but accomplished baseball career, Weaver lists pitching in the East-West Pennsylvania All Star Game at Three Rivers Stadium as the highlight of all that he has achieved. His steady solid performance on the mound will give the Kettleers an opportunity to add a few more wins this season.

When did you decide to become a pitcher?

I’ve pitcher all my life, through little league and Pee Wee’s and was always good at it. I just stuck with it.

How many pitches do you throw?

I have a fastball, slider, curve, change-up and cut fastball. My fastball runs between 91 and 88 mph.

Do you have an out pitch?

My slider. I use it quite a bit. It’s what I like to use with two strikes on a guy.

As a starting pitcher, what do you expect from your catcher?

To call a good game. To keep you in a good rhythm and to be a leader on the field. The catcher is the only one who sees the whole field all the time.

What do you prefer pitching to, aluminum or wood?

As any pitcher would tell you, wood. With a wooden bat you can pitch inside. With aluminum you can pitch the ball hard and they can still get a hit.

Do you throw between starts?

I usually light toss the day after and will long toss twice after that, then I’ll try to get in some pen work, once or twice, just to stay in shape.

Do you have a favorite baseball memory?

I’ve got a lot of memories, but I’d have to say it’s meeting new players and making new friends. You get a lot of new ideas from all the different guys.

Describe yourself as a pitcher.

I like to come right at a hitter. I make them put the ball in play.

What is your impression of the Cape League?