Herter's freshman season promising

Adam Herter’s freshman season on the Point Loma Nazarene University baseball team was pleasing enough to PLNU coach Joe Schaefer that Herter is being considered for the 2008 starting rotation.

“We were pretty proud of him,” Schaefer said. “Pitched pretty well, maybe a little bit better than we expected.”

Herter appeared in 16 games for the Sea Lions in 2007. He had a 3-1 won-loss record with two saves and an earned run average of 2.37. In 30 1/3 innings the 2006 Fallbrook High School graduate struck out 26 while walking only five.

“He was one of our top guys, our go-to guys, out of the pen,” Schaefer said.

Although Herter spent 2007 in middle relief, all four of Point Loma’s starters were seniors. “There’s a lot of spots to fill, and he’s definitely one of the top candidates,” Schaefer said.

Schaefer was also pleased by Herter’s attitude. “His work ethic was outstanding. He’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” Schaefer said.

Schaefer believes that Herter will respond to the opportunity to start as a sophomore. “I know how hard he’s going to be working,” Schaefer said.

Herter had initially been slated to pitch in the Hawaiian Summer League, but the logistics could not be consummated. In 2006 Schaefer advised Herter to avoid summer baseball and focus on strength for the transition from high school to college, and this year Schaefer also told Schaefer to stay in shape and work on getting bigger and stronger.

“He’ll get plenty of innings next year,” Schaefer said. “I think with the added strength and size he’ll start throwing harder.”