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 (Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction) caption:
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Begin Fights Through Disappointment; Ends PHS Baseball Career With a Bang
By Bill Alden
At times over the last few years, Robby Begin has wondered whether sticking with the Princeton High baseball team was worth the trouble.
In recent seasons, PHS has suffered through a steady diet of losses, shuttled between fields, and has seen a feeling of pessimism pervade the program.
Begin, however, was determined to see things through. "I thought a lot about going to private school," acknowledged Begin. "I've been frustrated by the field situation and the attitudes of some of my teammates. But I wanted to represent my town and its public school. It was my senior season and I wanted to finish strong."
The speedy centerfielder more than achieved that goal as he led the CVC in hitting with a .508 batting average, stolen bases with 24, and was fourth in runs scored with 30.
More importantly, Begin's heroics helped spark PHS to an 11-14 record, a marked improvement on the 2-19 record the team posted in 2004.
Despite the bumpy ride he experienced in his first three seasons, Begin had a feeling that good times were around the corner this spring.
"The expectations were higher, we had some good seniors, and a talented sophomore class," said Begin, who also helped PHS from the mound this spring. "We were stronger all around. We had three good pitchers in Jon [Lauri], Jake [Horan] and Matty [Welsh]. Our offense was better."
Even with that talent, it did take a while for things to come together this spring for the Little Tigers. "We started off slowly but then we got rolling," recalled Begin, referring to the team's mid-season surge which saw it advance to the Mercer County Tournament semifinals and come within one win of qualifying for the state tournament. "It was good to be in a position to nearly win the MCT and make the states."
Begin enjoyed being in the position of spearheading the PHS batting attack. "I was batting in the three hole which was a little different for me since I usually bat lead-off," said Begin, who hit over .400 in 2004 from the No. 1 spot in the PHS batting order.
"In the first 10 games this season, I didn't waste one at bat. I was really in a zone. In the middle of the season, I did struggle a bit but overall I was very pleased with how I did."
PHS head coach John Miranda was more than pleased by Begin's contribution this spring.
"Robby had a fantastic year, winning the batting title in the league," asserted Miranda, noting that his senior star suffered a broken nose in mid-May but never missed a practice or a game in the wake of the painful injury.
"He was a leader for us in RBIs, doubles, triples, stolen bases. He has power and speed; he's just an excellent baseball player."
Begin's foray into indoor track the last two winters, which saw him emerge as one of the top sprinters in the county, made him a more complete athlete.
"Track has helped me with reaction time and with my overall strength," explained Begin, who is headed to Georgetown University this fall. "I really cut my time in the 55 meters. I also have more endurance which helps with my pitching."
This summer, Begin will have ample opportunity to hone his considerable skills as he was named to the Mercer all-star team for the upcoming Carpenter Cup, a tournament that features all-star teams from Pennsylvania and Delaware as well as New Jersey.
"I'm really excited about that," said Begin, referring to his Carpenter Cup selection. "It's great to be recognized and play with the best of Mercer County."
Begin also figures to one of the top players in the Mercer County American Legion League for Princeton Post 218. "I'm a veteran now," said Begin with a laugh in considering his status with Post 218.
"We have two of our pitchers back from college in Will King and Alex Suguira. We have Wellington Talkpa and Brian Scanlon from Hun and the O'Brien brothers (Dan and Clint) from PDS. Most of the local schools had good seasons so I hope we can be more relaxed."
Begin knows he can't relax as he looks to make an impact at the college level. "My goal all along was to play baseball at the best academic school I could get into," said Begin.
"I loved Georgetown; the coach has been really helpful. I'm looking to study history. I'm also looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Big East."
Miranda, for one, thinks Begin is more than up to the challenge "Robby runs like a deer and has an arm like a bazooka," declared Miranda. "He hits for average and he hits for power. He's a pleasure to coach. The coach at Georgetown is getting a good one."
Begin, though, is bringing a special persistence to D.C. in addition to his athletic gifts. "I learned to stick with things at Princeton High," said Begin. "There were a lot of tough times. It's been a challenge and a joy."
It has certainly been a joy for PHS baseball to have a player and person
