In some cases, when a high school pitcher throws a perfect game, there’s a sense of astonishment and amazement.
It’s almost next to impossible, considering the level of competition and the underlying circumstances that have to take place. You have to have impeccable fielding behind you. You need to be able to consistently throw strikes while getting the opposition out, time after time.
However, when Hoboken senior left-hander Kenny Roder pitches a perfect game, it’s almost become commonplace. As ridiculous as it may seem, it’s almost like you expect it to happen.
After all, Roder has now thrown seven perfect games in his life, on practically every level, ranging from Little League through high school. If given the chance, Roder could have probably thrown a perfect game in tee-ball.
Roder added his latest slice of perfection last week, when he pitched a perfecto against St. Anthony last Friday. Of course, Roder didn’t allow a base runner, but he also struck out 17. It’s just his latest chapter in becoming the greatest pitcher to ever don a Hoboken baseball uniform.
It’s Roder’s second perfect game as a member of the Red Wings, the other coming in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I state playoffs last year against University High of Newark.
But that was a five-inning job, stopped because of the NJSIAA’s 10-run mercy rule.
The one last week was the real McCoy, a seven-inning masterpiece, one that Roder certainly didn’t lose sight of.
“It’s the first-ever seven-inning Hoboken High perfect game,” Roder proudly proclaimed.
For his efforts, Roder has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week.
Roder said that he definitely knew he had a perfect game going.
“During each inning, my teammates kept reminding me,” Roder said.
Say what? That’s like the cardinal sin of no-hitters and perfect games. No one is supposed to utter a word about it, in fear of jinxing it.
“I tried to ignore everyone by sitting at the end of the bench and not paying attention,” Roder said. “I put myself in another little zone.”
Roder said that the perfect game might have been affected by the Red Wings scoring so many runs in the top of the last inning.
“It was a long inning and my arm was getting cold,” Roder said. “I didn’t want to sit down. I am very superstitious.”
As the inning began, Roder reached a three-ball count on the first batter.
“I was a little nervous then,” Roder said.
The nervousness lasted only a matter of seconds.
“I struck that guy out,” Roder said. “Then I struck the last two out.”
First-year Hoboken head coach Jack Baker said that he heard of Roder’s impeccable control, but could only believe it once he saw it for himself.
“Once I got to witness how dominant he was, I then believed it,” Baker said. “He has all the confidence in the world in his control. I’ve never seen anything like it. He doesn’t come off as being overpowering or dominant, but with that much control and command? It’s really amazing for a high school kid.”
Baker said that his teammates like playing behind Roder.
“The defense is always ready, because they know Kenny is going to throw strikes,” Baker said. “His ball has a lot of movement, but it’s in the strike zone. Teams are trying to bunt on him now, but because he’s such a good athlete, he fields his position well. He’s so impressive. He really has a shot for a no-hitter or a perfect game every time he takes the mound. With his control, he has a shot.”
Roder’s strikeout-to-walk ratio is unheard of on the high school level. Last year, en route to becoming the Hudson Reporter Pitcher of the Year and Most Valuable Player, winning 10 games and losing just once, he struck out 137 batters and walked just 10. This season, Roder has accumulated 75 strikeouts and just four walks in five games.
There’s only one major difference between last year and this year. Prior to last week, Roder had not won a game. He lost two games where he struck out 16 and 15 respectively and had a no-decision in another.
“It was frustrating, because I was doing everything I could to help us win,” Roder said. “We couldn’t score runs when I was pitching. I lost one game that I threw a two-hitter. I had to pitch through it.”
Roder was rewarded for his perseverance. He threw a shutout against Ferris for his first win, allowing just three hits, and followed it up with his perfect game outing against St. Anthony, evening his record at 2-2.
Baker is astounded by Roder’s ability.
“It’s quite amazing, considering his size [Roder stands all of 5-foot-9],” said Baker, a pitcher himself and a former pitching coach on the college level. “He knows how to keep people off balance all the time. He has so much confidence in his pitches and establishes confidence with every single game. He loves the battle and loves to win. He also loves the game. Our whole team feeds off him. Win or lose, he’s the same kid. It’s awesome to see.”
Roder worked hard in the off-season to improve his velocity. A year ago, Roder would max out at 84 miles-per-hour on the speed gun. Now, after weight training, he’s throwing 87 and has topped out at 89.
“Over the summer, I went to the gym every day to lift weights,” Roder said. “I can feel I’m throwing harder. I feel like I’m a better pitcher.”
Roder will have to travel the junior college route in order to play college baseball.
“I know my grades aren’t there, so I’ll go JUCO and then try to get to a Division I school,” Roder said. “Maybe I’ll even get drafted.”
As for the perfect game routine?
“I’ve had four of them pretty recently, but I never get tired of them,” Roder said. “They’re always just as exciting.” – Jim Hague.
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.