(Editor’s Note:  Finn Schneider hurled the first four innings of Hiland’s 8-5 Sectional final triumph over Strasburg-Franklin Wednesday night.)

By JOHN KEREZY, eyeoncleveland.com founder

BERLIN – Every terrific baseball team has one “go to” pitcher, someone with excellent control on the mound and a strong arm that can eat up a lot of innings for his squad.

For the 23-5 Hiland Hawks, heading for the OHSAA Division IV District 15 Regional Tournament on May 30-31, that pitcher is Finn Schneider.

Finn has  a 5-1 record and has hurled 43 innings for the Hawks, tops among the pitching corps. In addition, he’s pitched in a team-leading 10 games, and has a three-to-one strike outs to walks ratios.

Finn has also turned in some gems for Hiland this season, including a four-hit shutout over Lake Center Christian, where the Hawks won 4-0 at Canal Park in Akron on April 25. Lake Center Christian is another one of the teams remaining in the Division IV post-season, and its only loss this year was to Schneider and Hiland.

Not the possessor of a 90+ mph fastball, Finn is like a chess master from the mound. His strategy is to keep hitters off balance, keep his pitches low, and let his defense help record outs. He relies mainly on his fast ball and change-up, but part of his success is that opposing hitters don’t know when he might be tossing a very good curve ball at them.

“His goal is to make opposing pitchers look bad, and he does a good job at it,” says Hiland head coach Chris Dages about his pitching ace. “He loves the opportunity to get on the mound, and he’s been dominant for us.”

FIFTH IN A SERIES ON HILAND’S SENIORS

As a senior four-year team member, Finn believes that his duty to the Hawks extends beyond the pitcher’s mound.

“The main role I have is being a leader on and off the field,” he says. “(I) press the guys to do the best they can.”

Listen to a Finn Schneider interview here:

Finn credits assistant coaches Richie Mast and Kevin Schrock for helping him and his teammates strive for excellence. “We’re with them (the assistants) 4-5 days a week, working with them to improve,” Finn adds.

Finally, Finn credits his mom Andrea for all the care she provided through his various injuries and many doctor visits throughout his years of playing baseball.

After graduation, Finn plans to work in his family’s electrical business.