Austin Poretz
By Pat O'Malley
Photos by Larry French & Katie Redmiles
St. Mary’s High School
Baseball
Despite being just 5’7” and 150 pounds, Poretz, a righthander, has been clocked at 90–91 m.p.h. with his fastball. With his live arm and a potent bat, Poretz led the Saints to the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference championship last season and is hoping to do the same this spring. With his pitching heat, Poretz went 8-2, with 85 strikeouts in 56 innings and had a 3.36 ERA. Swinging the bat, Poretz, who plays the infield when not on the mound, hit a robust .505 (46 for 91) with a club leading 42 runs scored and 42 RBIs. He also led the Saints in doubles (10), triples (three), and homers (six). “Right now I’m throwing in the mid to upper 80s,” said Poretz, as he began this spring’s season. Last spring he pitched in the upper 80s to low 90s for coach Dave Lanham, who is really excited about his senior ace. In the fall, with the prestigious Oriolelanders showcase team coached by Baltimore Orioles full-time scout Dean Albany, Poretz threw consistently in the low 90s. “He can bring it and he has a great arm,” said Albany. “He also has a really good makeup (demeanor and approach).” Poretz drew attention from college and pro scouts in the fall and will likely play at Indian River (FL) Community College next year, where he will become eligible for the major league draft for two seasons. “If I get a pro opportunity and don't think I’m ready, I would then go to a four-year university,” said Poretz, who is a B-average student. Poretz is the son of Lewis and Sheri Poretz.