Grimes, Schroeder lead JFK to a solid summer ISELIN - Like its younger counterparts at the junior level, the JFK Senior Legion team ended its summer campaign with six wins on the season. In addition to the six victories, the team played to a pair of ties. The team ended the season splitting a double-header that began with a 13-10 loss to St. Joe's before topping Iselin 12-8 in the second game. Junior Brian Schroeder and senior Chris Grimes continued to dominate the opposition as they did all season, finishing the double-header a combined 13-for-17 with three home runs. In the win over Iselin, it was a walk-off grand slam off the bat of Grimes that broke an 8-8 tie and gave JFK its sixth win. "Brian and Chris did it all this summer," JFK head coach Jerry Smith said. "Both of them played six different positions over the course of the season in addition to making up two-thirds of our pitching staff." With Grimes heading into his senior year, the college scouts were in attendance throughout the summer. An excellent student as well, Grimes got looks this season from Brown, Dartmouth, Temple and Lafayette. "Having players that can play at so many spots on the field allowed me the opportunity to wiggle things around to have the best nine players on the field," Smith said. "I like all of my players to be flexible and to play other positions, but it isn't always that easy." While Schroeder and Grimes played first base and third base last season, respectively, this summer the tandem could be spotted just about anywhere. At different times this summer, Schroeder saw action at first, third, short, right field and behind the dish. Grimes was shuffled around in much the same way, but instead of putting on the catcher's gear, he played in left field. In addition to the outstanding hitting and defense Grimes and Schroeder gave the team, their pitching performances were noteworthy. Schroeder made the transition from closer to starter this summer after closing out ballgames all spring for the varsity team. "Brian was our closer the last two years, and we wanted to see if he was ready for a starting role this summer," Smith said. "It was a good sign to see him have the stamina needed to be a starter. He should see more time as a starter next spring." With sophomore Alex Weinstein rapidly progressing, it is likely he will take over closing duties in the spring. "We may use Alex as a two-inning guy to replace Brian if things work out that way," Smith said. "This is how we like to work our young pitchers into the varsity lineup. Easing them in as relievers and allowing them to pitch a couple of innings a game seems to be the best method." - Shawn Layton