Growing pains on the field
at Northeast

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Sometimes a younger player can look to his left or his right for some guidance on the baseball diamond.
Jose Delgado doesn’t have that luxury.
The second baseman is part of the Northeast High School baseball team’s all-sophomore infield. And at times he’s the one who’s a voice of experience.
"It’s not too tough," said Delgado. "I played varsity as a freshman, so I have a little more experience. The other infielders listen to me, so it’s easier for me to try to teach them to become better players."
Delgado is accompanied by infielders Julius Susten, Lance Lamtert and Julius Spann — a quartet that collectively forms a dominating wall against most of the offenses of Public League opponents.
"We have more motivation to try to go further this season," said Delgado. "The players are really determined. Right from the beginning we knew that we were going to be good. We could feel the difference from last year’s season. And I think we have a real chance to go far this year."
Delgado went two-for-two with a walk during a 5-3 loss to Frankford High School on May 3. His dependable hitting throughout the season has landed Delgado in the second spot of the Vikings’ lineup.
"I don’t necessarily think of myself as a power hitter," he said. "I think I’m more of a contact hitter. I’ll do whatever I can to make contact with the ball. A couple times I’ll throw down a bunt to move the runner over."
The Vikings’ record fell to 6-4 after Thursday’s loss to the Pioneers.
Last year, Northeast advanced to the semifinals, losing to Central by one run. This season, despite having a rather young team, the Vikings are hoping to advance even further.
"We have a lot of young guys on the team," said coach Sam Feldman. "But the team looks good. I knew we had talent, but I didn’t think that it would happen as quickly as it did."
Delgado, who turned 17 last week, is one of many sophomores on the squad this season. But if you ask him, age is not an issue on the Vikings’ diamond.
"The team chemistry is great," said Delgado. "We’re always backing each other up on the field, and we all get along off the field as well."
Support is not something Delgado has to search for. His games tend to be a family affair.
"One of the best parts about playing is knowing that my family is there to support me," he said. "They come up before the game and wish me well. And I know they’re watching, so it helps motivate me."
Jose is the oldest of six children in the Degado family. They moved to the Northeast from North Philly about seven years ago, and live near Northeast High School.
He feels particularly close to his siblings. "It’s great to see them grow up, and they come to me when they have problems," he explained. "I’m happy to be there for them as an older brother."
As an athlete, he has a daily training regimen, but when he ventures out on his one-mile runs, he’ll often have some company.
"I train and practice a lot, and I’m always working hard," Delgado said. "My parents will run with me sometimes, which is great."
Delgado’s coach admires his devotion and preparation.
"He’s very dedicated to what he does," said Feldman. "The thing I saw about Jose last year was his intensity for the game. Even when we were taking batting practice, he was turning double plays. He loves baseball, and you can see that in the game. He’s every coach’s dream — he wants to learn and he’s a hard worker."
Delgado started to cultivate his love for the game when he was 2. He isn’t likely to take off his spikes anytime soon.
"I like everything about baseball," he said. "It makes me feel good. The momentum of playing gives me a lot of energy on the field. I’ve played other sports, but baseball has always been my number one." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com