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South Jersey Baseball History:
20th Century All-Star Teams: Cherokee High School
Sunday, August 1, 1999
By Charlie Schick
South Jersey Baseball Historical Society
Over the 23-year varsity baseball history of Cherokee High School there have been many quality players who wore the brown and orange for the Chiefs. A number of them had received All County all-star recognition. Some have gained South Jersey Group and All South Jersey Team honors. And an elite group has captured All State Group and All State Team selections.
Our Cherokee 20th Century Team is packed with these award winning players, and members of the Chiefs' championship teams of 1981, '82, '85, '89, '95, '98 and '99. The squad features all the key elements of the game, pitching, hitting, base stealing, power hitters, defense, and strikeout artists.
Cherokee High School
20th Century All-Star Team
| POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | BEST RECORD |
|---|
| Left-hand Pitcher | Mike Schick | 1985 | 9-1 |
| Right-hand Pitcher | Chris Murray | 1998 | 10-2 |
| Relief Pitcher | Kevin Burke | 1986 | 10-1 |
| Catcher | Shawn Kulik | 1991 | .493 |
| First Baseman | Mike O'Rourke | 1982 | .415 |
| Second Baseman | Charlie Dragum | 1986 | .429 |
| Shortstop | Mike Scanzano | 1999 | .500 |
| Third Baseman | Joe Mesveskas | 1980 | .425 |
| Utility Player | Lou DiPietro | 1977-78 | 13-8 & .455 |
| Outfielder | Joe Borucki | 1982 | .465 |
| Outfielder | Ray Morrison | 1993 | .455 |
| Outfielder | Brian McGee | 1995 | .395 |
| Designated Hitter | Doug Baines | 1996 | .491 |
| Head Coach | Bill Haessler | 1985 | 23-2 |
Left-hand Pitcher: MIKE SCHICK - 1985
A dominant element in the Chiefs' County, South Jersey, State Group IV and State's #1 ranked title team. Speed, excellent arm and hitting also earn him all-star outfield honors. Cherokee's first All State honoree, while setting 23 combined pitching and hitting records over his career. Twice selected All County, All South Jersey and All State. A career .405 hitter with 20-5 pitching record over 3 years.
Right-hand Pitcher: CHRIS MURRAY - 1998
Bulldog competitor that starred both on the mound and at the plate. Junior year saw him tie school record with 10 victories. 3-time All County and South Jersey Group IV honoree, plus 2-time All South Jersey. 1999 saw him lead Chiefs to their 2nd South Jersey Group IV title. Over 4 years set school records for wins 25, strikeouts 228, and as a power hitter, his 78 career RBIs set another new Chief standard.
Relief Pitcher: KEVIN BURKE - 1985
Excellent curve ball and heavy sinker ball hurler. Right-hand starter and reliever on outstanding 1984 & 1985 Chief squads. Set single season record with 10 wins in his senior year. In Cherokee's 1985 championship season posted a 10-1 record with a 1.83 ERA. Selected All County, All South Jersey and All State Group IV in final year.
Catcher: SHAWN KULIK - 1991
Fundamentally sound behind the plate with strong throwing arm that threw out 20 runners over his last 2 seasons. Outstanding hitter with extra base power, and excellent RBI producer. Enjoyed fantastic senior year with a .479 average, 35 hits and school record 43 RBI's. Awarded All County, All South Jersey and All State in 1991.
First Baseman: MIKE O'ROURKE - 1982
Outstanding left-handed hitter and right-handed big game pitcher. Team leading extra base and RBI producer over his last two years, setting a number of offensive school records. Twice Burlington County and South Jersey Group III all-star. In 1982 hit .405 with 13 extra base hits and perfect 7-0 on the mound to earn All South Jersey and All State Group III awards.
Second Baseman: CHARLIE DRAGUM - 1986
Excellent infielder with range and ability to make the difficult double play. Junior second baseman on state title team. Twice awarded All County and All South Jersey Group IV honors. The top infielder in the county in 1986, he hit .440 and was selected to All South Jersey Team plus All State Group IV squad.
Shortstop: MIKE SCANZANO - 1999
Only the second player in Chief history to gain All State First Team honors. Very athletic and excellent in making the double play. Junior leadoff hitter batting .500 with 46 hits and unbelievable 23 extra base hits and 33 RBIs from the top of the order. His 9 homers and 44 runs led him to Burlington County, South Jersey, and State all-star awards.
Third Baseman: JOE MESVESKAS - 1980
Excellent fielder that committed just 4 errors in his last two seasons. Team captain that was a consistent .400 hitter and key RBI producer. He was awarded Burlington County and South Jersey Group III all-star honoree. Senior year saw him lead team with a .455 batting average and lead county in fielding percentage.
Utility Player: LOU DiPIETRO - 1977-78
The mainstay of the Chiefs' first two varsity seasons. Versatile athlete who could play a number of positions. Very competitive, team leader that was twice selected All South Jersey Team pitcher. Also played infield plus outfield and finished career with a over .400 average. Gained South Jersey Group honors in 1978.
Outfielder: JOE BORUCKI - 1982
His outstanding speed made him a brilliant center-fielder and prototype leadoff hitter. Team captain that led squad to a 44-8 two year record, plus County and Diamond Classic championships. His senior year .465 average with 30 runs and 16 stolen bases earned him County, South Jersey and State all-star honors.
Outfielder: BRIAN McGEE - 1995
Intelligent player and team leader that could play all outfield positions. Excellent arm however made him prototype right-field. Was twice selected All County, All South Jersey Group IV, and All South Jersey Team. In 1995 McGee had outstanding 9 game hitting streak posting a .577 average to lead Chiefs into Diamond Classic.
Outfielder: RAY MORRISON - 1993
Outstanding center-fielder with 57 putouts in senior year, was twice honored All County. Above .400 average hitter with terrific on base percentage that included 45 walks over last 2 seasons. Banner senior year with 30 hits, 18 walks, 23 stolen bases and .455 average. Selected All County twice, All South Jersey Group IV, and All South Jersey All-Star.
Designated Hitter: DOUG BAINES - 1996
A 3-year varsity starter that was known for his power hitting. A feared hitter that opposing pitchers walked 20 times in his senior year. Set all-time Chief career records for home runs and RBIs. Was quality catcher with strong arm. His 1996 totals featured a .491 average and 23 RBIs. All County, All South Jersey Group IV, and All South Jersey receiver.
Head Coach: BILL HAESSLER - 1985
Since taking over the helm of the Chiefs varsity baseball program in 1983, Haessler has guided them to 251 victories. His list of championships include 3 Burlington Liberty crowns, 1 Olympic Patriot title, 2 South Jersey Group IV winners, and the 1985 State Group IV championship. His outstanding '85 squad was ranked #1 in South Jersey & overall state and 15th nationally.
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