Published: April 17, 2008 12:46 pm         

Local players making impact

Dubben, Ackerman playing for O-State

By ERIC AHLQVIST
Cooperstown Crier

ONEONTA — A pair of former high school rivals are now the best of friends, and both are off to strong starts for the Oneonta men’s baseball team this spring.

Cherry Valley-Springfield graduate Scott Dubben and Edmeston graduate Sam Ackerman are key members of the Red Dragons this season.

Three years ago, the two were the top two pitchers in the Tri-Valley, and Ackerman beat Dubben in the Tri-Valley Championship Game in 2005.

Dubben’s pitching career likely came to an end after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last season, but he has found success at shortstop this year.

``I had surgery on my shoulder, and the rehabilitation was a long process,’’ Dubben said Monday night. ``It was hard to sit out a year and watch, and now that I’m back on the field I’m enjoying every minute.’’ Through April 12, Dubben was hitting .341, good for second on the team, and has worked his way into the starting shortstop job after beginning the season in a three-way battle for the position.

Dubben is 14-41 at the plate, with a home run and eight runs batted in for O-State, who own a 10-10 SUNYAC record.

``I’m hitting the ball well right now, and I think that’s the reason I’ve been starting,’’ said Dubben, who also occasionally serves as the team’s designated hitter. ``My arm feels great. I have a strong arm from short, but I haven’t tried anything off the mound yet.’’

Dubben, a red-shirt sophomore, said he hasn’t completely ruled out pitching again, but does not want to jeopardize his arm again.

``I’m having a blast and I want to stay healthy,’’ Dubben said. Oneonta State head coach Rick Ferchen said he admires Dubben’s hard work to get back with the team.

``He has shown the willingness to help us in any capacity we ask of him,’’ Ferchen said.

Ackerman, a hard-throwing junior right-hander, has developed into Oneonta State’s number one starting pitcher.

He has started six games this season and is 3-2 with 44 strikeouts in 36.1 innings pitched.

``Sam has been our number one pitcher all year and is pitching against the top teams,’’ Ferchen said. ``He has been contacted by some professional organizations and rightfully so. His fastball has been consistently in the low 90’s and his curveball has been very good this year. If he can stay consistent with his control and location he will not only help us but help himself as the year goes on.’’ Dubben said he and Ackerman did not talk much during their high school days, but have developed a close relationship since arriving in Oneonta.

``I think we had respect for each other in high school but we’re best friends now,’’ Dubben said. ``We worked out together all summer at the Clark Sports Center and we hang out all the time.’’

Ferchen said Ackerman will pitch one of two games this Saturday, when the Red Dragons host Cortland, their biggest league rival, for a doubleheader beginning at noon.

``We’re pretty young this year, but we’ve been improving and Saturday will be a big test for us,’’ Dubben said.