Second base? Not a problem. Shortstop? Not a problem. Outfield? Not a problem. Hitting? No longer a problem for Ridgewood's Lizzie Kirby.
By STEVE LEE
Published March 18, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - Forced to juggle her lineup due to injuries and the departure of six starters, Ridgewood coach Jen Molby occasionally has started second baseman Lizzie Kirby at shortstop or in the outfield.
Wherever.
Kirby's preference is second base, but helping her team where she is needed runs a close, er, second.
"I like being able to play different positions and know how to play them well enough," Kirby said. "If they need me, I can play there."
Kirby's play in Friday's 6-4 defeat of Wesley Chapel typified her versatility.
She started at second, coming up with a defensive gem by diving to her right and throwing out Danielle Bailey on a grounder up the middle. Then when shortstop Krysti DiMartino relieved starter Shauna Kortas in the sixth inning, Kirby moved to the other side of second base.
DiMartino, who has played on West Pasco Little League teams at shortstop with Kirby as her second baseman since 1995, said she believes Kirby can play anywhere. But second base is Kirby's best spot, DiMartino said.
"I have the best connection with her at second base," DiMartino said, adding on grounders up the middle with a runner on first, "I don't even take a second to think about it. I know she's going to be there."
Molby believes Kirby can be counted on anywhere, and that includes leftfield. Kirby displayed her fielding skills in a March 5 victory over Tarpon Springs by robbing several Spongers of hits with running catches.
"She's been really good at going back and forth and holding her own," Molby said.
"I'm pretty confident in the outfield," Kirby said. "I started there when I was little (as an 8-year-old in the West Pasco Little League). Then I played infield."
Kirby's defensive prowess has been widely known.
A four-year varsity player, she went from a backup infielder as a freshman to playing in every game (either second or rightfield) as a sophomore and starting every game as a junior and so far this season.
This season, Kirby also is making a name for herself as a hitter. A highlight last season was her surprising 4-for-4 game against Pasco. Kirby, who had just two hits entering that game, in which she drove in three runs as the ninth hitter, helped her team to a 10-7 victory.
Kirby no longer bats ninth thanks, in part, to Ridgewood assistant Steve Miller, who has transformed Kirby into a slap hitter.
Kirby's revamped hitting style has resulted in a team-high, and career-best, 12-game hitting streak. And for the first time in her high school career, she ranks among county leaders with a .395 average (ninth) and 15 hits (second).
"(Miller is) making me slap, and it's working," Kirby said. "I don't always expect to get a hit, but I know I'm capable of it.
"I expect to hit the ball, but I don't expect to get on every time."
Added Molby, "He's done a good job with Lizzie, turning her into a productive hitter. It's been a very pleasant surprise."
Adjusting her hitting style - last year Kirby said she popped up too often - and her ability to adjust to several positions are no-brainers for a player committed to doing her part to help her team win.
"I try to do what's best for everyone," Kirby said.
Her newfound offense and versatility as a fielder notwithstanding, Kirby said she believes her best attribute is fielding grounders, line drives and popups at second base.
"No question," she said.
"I'm just more comfortable there. I like stopping the ball at any cost."
