Walsh Jesuit's Tim Faix finally able to flourish as No. 1 starter

Sometimes the toughest thing to do is wait.

Members of the Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) baseball program know entering just about every season that they'll probably end up counting their team's losses on one hand and more than likely be able to plan for a trip deep into the Division II state tournament.

Because of the incredible amount of depth the Warriors have compiled since coach Chris Kaczmar took over 15 seasons ago, some of the toughest battles their players face come inside their own dugout.

Take, for example, the situation of senior left-handed pitcher Tim Faix.

Although he went 7-0 with a 2.15 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings last year, Faix didn't pitch even one inning in either of Walsh Jesuit's state tournament games. When you're sitting behind three pitchers who eventually get selected in the Major League Baseball draft as Faix was a year ago, there's nothing to do but try to stay sharp and wait your turn.

The time is now for Faix, and he is responding as hoped for the Warriors.

Walsh Jesuit opened the season by winning its first nine games, and Faix was 2-0 with an ERA of 0.41 over his first five appearances. He struck out 28 over his first 16 innings.

"For him having to wait behind three draft picks was challenging at times last year," said Kaczmar, who has guided the Warriors to state titles in 1999, 2004, '06 and '08 and to state runner-up finishes the last two seasons. "I think he's a better pitcher this year and is really having a tremendous year. He had a great year last year and has stepped into the No. 1 role."

Faix, a Kent State University recruit, tossed the school's ninth no-hitter during a 10-0 win over Clear Fork on April 9. He struck out nine and allowed just two baserunners in a game that was shortened to six innings by the  mercy rule. In his next start, he allowed one hit over four innings to help the Warriors beat Woodridge (Peninsula) 14-0 on April 15.

Last season, Faix sat behind Greg Greve, Tyler Skulina and John Fasola in the team's rotation. Greve, who started the state championship game that Walsh Jesuit lost to Jonathan Alder (Plain City) 3-2, is playing for Ohio State after being selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 45th round of last year's draft. Skulina originally signed with Virginia but is now playing for Kent State. He started the Warriors' 4-1 victory over Lakewood (Hebron) in a state semifinal and was chosen in the 46th round by the Oakland A's. Fasola, who entered in relief in both state tournament games, was selected in the 36th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers but signed with Kansas State.

"Being behind those guys was a good learning experience because it showed me the ropes," Faix said. "People might have looked at it as a downer having to wait until my senior year to be in this position, but I'm really happy so far. I understood my situation and my role on the team last year. I watched those guys to see what they were doing and it just kind of gave me something to look forward to. I knew if I worked hard, I'd be in (their) situation this year."

Faix is the leader of a six-member senior class for Walsh Jesuit that also includes Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania-signees Kolton Snyder and Jake Nogalo.

The Warriors' top underclass product according to Kaczmar is sophomore catcher Cassidy Brown. Junior Mike Marsinek, who is the No. 2 pitcher, also is receiving significant attention from college recruiters.

Faix, who has had more success with his off-speed pitches this spring, has relished stepping into a leadership role. His father, Mike Faix, played baseball for two years and football for four years at Ohio University. His sophomore brother, Connor, plays baseball for St. Edward (Lakewood).

The Faix family lives in Strongsville, which creates about a 45-minute commute for Tim and about a 30-minute drive for Connor.

"We're a real young team so far but we've got a really solid group of seniors, especially with our pitching staff," Tim Faix said. "I definitely like the leadership role. Last year I still got reps (as a batter), so it's a whole new thing for me to focusing solely on my pitching, but it's definitely helped. I've been seeing some pretty big jumps in my pitching this year and I don't feel like I've peaked yet."

When he does, it could be a scary situation for opponents over the next few years.

Jarrod Ulrey covers Central and Northern Ohio for MaxPreps.com. He has covered prep sports for ThisWeekSPORTS.com for 16 years and can be reached at julrey@thisweeknews.com.