‘Shortie’ comes up big
for the Pioneers

By Joe Mason
For the Times

For some reason, this year is completely different.
This year, Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche is the senior leader of a Frankford High School baseball team.
This year, Juan Namnun, the former assistant coach for Bob Peffle, has stepped into Peffle’s shoes with his retirement.
And this year, the members of last year’s squad are a year older, a year wiser and a year more mature — physically and mentally.
But Meletiche hopes this year finishes the same way last year ended — with a Public League championship.
Frankford earned the right to play in the title game on May 21 when it came from behind to down Northeast, 6-4, in a Public League semifinal. Frankford was preparing to play Central in the Public League finals on May 28 at Campbell’s Field in Camden, N.J. (The Times went to press before the game.)
And just like the past two seasons, Meletiche will lead the way.
In fact, without his spirit against Northeast’s Vikings, Frankford might not be headed for the championship game. Yes, Meletiche chipped in with an RBI double. He also made a terrific play at shortstop, a diving catch to rob Julius Spann of extra bases.
Those are some of the things Meletiche brings to the table. But he also brings much more.
"He’s the leader," Namnun said. "He’s not our vocal-guy leader, but he brings a tremendous amount of leadership by example. He’s quiet, but he’s a do-as-I-do kind of leader.
"When he takes batting practice, he just does his job. When he’s talking infield, he just does his job. He’s quiet, but he’s so respected that when he does something, others follow."
Meletiche takes the game of baseball very seriously, but to him, it’s still a game. So when he’s practicing seven days a week, he’s doing it to make Frankford the best team in the area. He’s also doing it because, well, what else would he be doing?
"Ever since my mom and dad signed me up for baseball, I loved it," said Meletiche, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the Public League A Division this spring. "I just love everything about it, the excitement, playing it, the fun of being around my friends, my teammates.
"During the summer, I’d say, I play seven days a week," he continued. "I put God first, family second and baseball third. And I really love God and family, so that just tells you how much I enjoy it."
It helps that he’s been so successful.
An All-Public selection since his sophomore year, as well as a two-time MVP, Meletiche has played in the Public League championship game in each of his four years at Frankford.
During his sophomore year, the Pioneers failed to come home with the trophy. But in his freshman and junior campaigns, Frankford emerged as the best club in the Pub.
This year, playing against an opponent they defeated twice during the regular season, the Pioneers know they have what it takes to build on their championship legacy.
But they’re also wise enough to keep their eyes on the prize.
"Central is good, everyone knows that," Meletiche said. "I mean, we’re good too. I have a lot of confidence in everybody on my team. I know how good they are. We’re going to go out, have fun and play our hardest."
Central is capable of beating Frankford. And if the Lancers win, it won’t be because the Pioneers overlooked them.
"The one thing I can say about this team is that they’re very businesslike," Namnun said. "They go out and take care of business. They don’t mess around, they’re not cocky. They have confidence, but we never overlook anyone because we know there are good teams out there."
A win would also be special for Namnun.
A longtime assistant coach and former player, his first year as skipper could produce some nice hardware.
"It’s surreal," Namnun said. "When you become coach, you always hope for the best season possible, and I knew this team had potential. But now that we’re in the championship game, it’s a little overwhelming."
Meletiche feels the same way.
Next year, the Pioneers’ ace pitcher probably will continue his baseball career. Schools in the mix are Temple, La Salle and Widener.
And while he hopes to play shortstop during his college career, Meletiche will do whatever it takes, just like he did during his high school career.
"If people ask me what I am, I tell them I’m a shortstop," he said. "But when we needed a pitcher, I did it. I’ve pitched before, so when we needed someone, I did it, but I’d rather play shortstop."
After all, pitching for a championship team is better than playing short for a contender.
"If we win, it would be a dream," Meletiche said. "Winning would make this a perfect season. We’re going to do everything we can to make it happen." ••
Joe Mason can be reached at joemason70@hotmail.com