United South Win

By Sal Nuno Sciaraffa Jr. Senior Spirts Photojournalist www.lrdswnews.com

For the 2026 season, the primary catchers for the Panthers varsity baseball team is Alex Galvan (Senior) Left on the picture: Galvan earned first-team All-City and All-District honors as a junior. He is a versatile player who also contributes as an outfielder and pitcher. 

Speaking with him after the Panthers win over Alexander 8-0, he said when I asked him about the pitch calls, “the pitch call is between me and the pitcher I call for the location and if the pitcher wants the pitch changed we adjust, and I place the location. 

The pitch calls are not coach to catch to pitcher at United South. Once in awhile the coach will call, since there is a head phone link in use, but rarely does the Panthers coaches make the pitch calls. 

It speeds up the game faster and keeps the pitcher in a better form. Interesting as well is Galvan Catchers at this high school level and college level are inspired by the 95%+ adoption rate in the Major Leagues—are increasingly using the one-knee-down (OKD) stance to prioritize “stealing” strikes and reducing physical fatigue. 

This technique, pioneered by catchers like MLB Tony Peña, has become the modern standard across all competitive levels. 

Key Performers in the game was Jerry Alvarez Right on the picture (United South): Hit a two-run single during the victory.

Pete Cerda Pitcher center on the picture (United South): Celebrated a significant district win going six innings.