Lieberman's dream comes true

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sport editor
May 28, 2004
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. Joey Lieberman dug into the batter's box at Grand View Park in Grand Junction, Colo.
The freshman locked his focus on the forth-coming pitch from Meridian Community College assistant coach Chad Caillet. Once he connected with the batting-practice toss, there was no doubt the ball was gone.
Lieberman lifted the ball over the left-field fence of the practice facility, bouncing it into the street.
The slugging first baseman will not have to live his World Series vicariously through practices this season.
Lieberman returned to the field in 2004 from a wrist injury in the second game of the 2003 season to add another power hitter to the Eagles' line up.
Lieberman's power numbers were not a surprise, considering his production as a true freshman last season. He received a medical redshirt in 2003.
The Vicksburg native went 4-for-9 with one home run and four RBIs before a collision at first sidelined him for the season.
Lieberman joined an already potent core of sluggers in the heart of the Eagles' order this season.
MCC third baseman Van Pope, left fielder Josh Morgan and designated hitter Aaron George terrorized pitchers last season. The trio combined for 47 home runs and over 100 RBIs in 2003.
Pope, Morgan and George haven't slowed down this season, as they stayed in the middle of the lineup.
Pope ripped a team-high 17 home runs with 56 RBIs. Morgan notched 14 homers and 53 RBIs. George recorded six home runs and 36 RBIs.
Lieberman, Pope, Morgan and George have had plenty of help with their power numbers from the rest of MCC's lineup.
MCC shortstop Michael Murray is second on the team in batting average, .402, and has a team-high .502 on-base percentage, batting in the leadoff spot.
Center fielder Toddrick Johnson and second baseman Kyle Ginn, who have split time in the No. 2 spot in the order this season, have on-base percentages of .437 and .443.
While the sluggers in MCC's lineup will try to produce at the plate, Calliet, who primarily works with the Eagles' hitters, will also make sure they do not just swing for the fences.
But whether it's a home run or a bunt single, Lieberman is just happy he will get the chance to swing the bat at Suplizio Field, the site of the World Series, and not just at practice.
MCC opens play in the World Series at 10 a.m. Saturday against Pensacola (Fla.) Junior College.