Hepler makes sure championship run not about him

Despite his minuscule earned run average of 0.54, West York pitching ace Kaden Hepler (left) is quick to pass the credit around to his teammates, who on Friday will play for the school's first state baseball championship.

"It shouldn’t be all about me. It never should be," Hepler said after the Bulldogs knocked off District 7 champ Blackhawk, 8-1, in the PIAA Class AAA Western final.

"I try to give these guys as much credit as possible because no matter how good I am out there, it’s all about them. They are scoring runs for me, they are making the plays. That’s the stuff you don’t see in the newspaper. You don’t see them making plays. I am so thankful to have these guys do it for me and do it with me."

Making the plays in the field is something West York has done repeatedly all season. The double play combination of Brock Gladfelter (SS) and Brandon Wetzel (2B) are stellar. Both made great plays on Monday.

The outfield of speedsters Brandon "Mini" Rauhauser in left, and Jerrin Toomey in center, along with the rightfield platoon of Chase James and Brett Kinneman, are able to protect the gaps as well as any. Both made fine running catches in the final inning of the semifinal win against the Cougars.

"(Gladfelter) is the best in the state, I believe that," Hepler said. "Jerrin’s range is ridiculous. Mini in left field, he can run, you’ve got Chase and Brett in right. We’ve got some players on this team. I couldn’t ask for anybody else."